Our Beloved Father, Efstathios Kourtidis, lovingly known to all as Steve (Stathi), passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 61 years, Kiparisia Kourtidis. He was the loving father of Natalia, her husband Thomas, and their children Christina and Melina, his son Christos, his wife Meri and their child Stathi who took his name , as well his daughter Alexia from his first marriage to Michele Kourtidis, daughter Anastasia, her husband Evangelos and their children Marianna and Demetrios. He is also survived by his two sisters, Peristera and Evropi and his brother Tryfonas, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who reside in Greece. Our father was born in a small village outside of Kozani called Nea Nikopolis on December 14, 1940.He grew up alongside his four siblings, Rodi, Peristera, Evropi, and Tryfonas, helping their parents, Christos and Anastasia, tend to the fields to support their family

For his love of music, his father bought him an accordion which he taught himself to play. His talent quickly made him a beloved musician in his village and surrounding towns, bringing joy and happiness to everyone at social gatherings and weddings.

After serving in the army, he married his beloved Kiparisia, and together they welcomed their three children into their lives.

His lifelong dream of moving to America came true when he and his family arrived in Massachusetts in January 1981, carrying only two pieces of luggage and a heart full of dreams.

Despite not knowing the English language, his determination to achieve the American dream fueled his efforts. Within a few years he had established Steve's Greek Cuisine on Newbury Street in Boston, where the entire family worked. The business became an instant success—featured in major newspapers and radio broadcasts, and winning many "Best Food" awards. For over 30 years, his customers adored him, and his hard work truly paid off. He quickly launched two additional locations, one being Steve's Greek Cuisine  at Faneuil Hall and the other in Cambridge at Inman Square.

In 1989, he discovered a quaint banquet hall in Foxboro, MA. Although it required significant renovations, his dream came true, and soon his Lakeview Pavilion became a beloved venue for numerous weddings.

Not long after, he decided to bring some fun and entertainment into the Greek communities across USA and Canada. As a promoter, he brought numerous singers and artists from Greece. Among them were Eleni Vitali, Christodoulopoulos, Antipas, Pitsa Papadopoulou, Eleni Stanisi, Lefteris Pantazis, Gerolymatos, The Kounitopoulei, Angela Dimitriou, Kontolazos, Menidiatis, Philipas Nikolaou, Doukissa, Yiota Livia and the comedic actor Stathi Psalti.

Our father also had a deep love for travel. He cherished his time in his beautiful home in Kozani and, alongside his wife, traveled to many places around the world such as China, Singapore, Russia, Hawaii, Italy, the Carribean Islands and to the many stunning islands of Greece.

Our father took great pride in giving back to the community. For over 30 years, his Lakeview Pavilion Foundation,  provides yearly support to The Foxborough Discretionary Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping local families in need. His foundation also grants yearly funds to help Seniors from Foxborough High School achieve their dreams. Each year he donates family passes to the Boston Children's Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Mystic Seaport, New England Aquarium, Plymouth Plantation, and Zoo New England.

He also took great pride in supporting his hometown. When he found out that the General Hospital of Kozani needed an ambulance, he quickly arranged for a brand-new ambulance to be sent from Boston. He also took great pride in assisting the St. John's Church, a charming sanctuary nestled in the mountains of his village. When needed, he would make improvements to the church. He updated the sleeping accommodations by adding beds to the building adjacent to the church, repaired the roof, and constructed a road and created a parking area, making it more accessible for parishioners to come and worship.

Above everything else, though what truly mattered to him was the deep love he had for his family. His heart was fully devoted to his kids and grandkids.

Baba, we are grateful for all the adventures and life lessons you shared with us. Your love and support will be a constant source of strength for us and our children. We appreciate your generosity and the way you taught us the value of hard work, showing us that we can achieve our dreams.

Baba, you will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we will cherish your memory forever.

Θα σ' αγαπαμε για πάντα  ❤️

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Saint Nectarios Greek Church, 39 Belgrade Avenue, Roslindale, MA at 11AM.  Visitation prior to the Service from 10AM to 11AM at the church. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the above named church.

He will be laid to rest at The Gardens at Gethsemane Cemetery, 670 Baker Street, West Roxbury. A Memorial Luncheon will follow at Lakeview Pavilion, 45 Lakeview Road, in Foxboro, MA.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA who took such good care of their beloved Husband, Father,Pappou while he was in the hospital. They will be forever grateful.

For online guestbook please visit www.Faggas.com