NORWICH – Gus's Steakhouse and Sports Lounge Owner Gus Stamatatos passed away on Wednesday, leaving his wife and children to continue his legacy and celebrate his life.
Gus's wife, Maria Stamatatos, and their children, Alexandra Stamatatos and Kosta Stamatatos, are welcoming the whole community to come celebrate Gus's life from 1 to 4 p.m. this Sunday at Gus's Steakhouse. Food and spirits will be served as part of the celebration.
“Everyone is invited. It's a time to celebrate instead of mourn. Gus was all about the community, which is why I want everyone to come share with us on this day,” said Maria.
The restaurant owner had been battling leukemia for two years when he passed away. Maria said even though Gus lost his battle with leukemia, she hopes people – when given the chance – take part in the fight against “this horrible disease.”
Gus was 59 years old, born on Feb. 16, 1955 in Greece. He moved with his family to America at age 14 and started working in the restaurant business, which he never left. Gus was a chef for more than 40 years – most of his life – and enjoyed sharing his cooking with others.
Gus married the “love of his life,” Maria, and according to her, they spent “32 wonderful years together.” The couple brought their lifetime of restaurant management experience to Norwich 10 years ago in August of 2005.
“Something wonderful brought us to Norwich, and we are happy we got to share with this community,” said Maria. “We have met probably the most amazing people that are now like our family here in Norwich.”
Gus was very dedicated to the community, according to Maria. “His motto was that we are here seven days a week for the community. A couple of times we stayed open Christmas day so people didn't have to clean up at home and could just relax and spend time at Gus's with their family to enjoy the holiday,” she said. “People were so grateful for that.”
Maria also said although Gus's blood relatives are on Long Island, he felt his family was here with his friends in Norwich. “I had to think about where I was going to bury Gus, but it did not take me very long to decide. This is where our friends and family are, so that's why I wanted to keep him here,” she said.
Now that Gus is gone, his son, Kosta, will take over as head chef and continue his father's legacy. His daughter, Alexandra, will also help with the cooking and manage the front of the house. His wife, Maria, will still be there to “greet people with a smile,” she said.
“We're going to do this; we are going to continue running the restaurant.” said Maria. “I don't know how I am doing it, but I am moving forward.”
Maria said her and Gus's children are looking to her during this difficult time, because she has always been the “rock of the family.” She said her children call her crazy for being so positive, but they love the choices she is making regarding their father's passing.
“I am just looking ahead. I couldn't do this without them, and I am so blessed to have them. I am glad they have me to look up to too,” said Maria.
When talking about what she will miss most about Gus, Maria said, “I will miss his cooking most, yeah, and his dedication and his love.”
To leave the family a message of condolence, visit the Wilson Funeral Home website at wilsonfh.com. To make memorial contributions in memory of Gus, make them to Hospice of Chenango County located at 21 Hayes St. in Norwich. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday.