NEW YORK – Andreas Moschopoulos, owner of the iconic Laterna restaurant in Bayside, passed away on August 7 at the age of 68 after battling cancer.

"If I could sum up my father in a few words, I would say 'head of the family.' He urged us to start a family,” his son, Dionisi, told The National Herald, noting that he, his siblings, Niko and Ismini, and their mother, Eleftheria, stayed by their father’s side until the last moment.

"He was expecting his first grandchild, but unfortunately he did not make it,” Dionisi Moshopoulos said after making the online announcing of the passing of his father.

The news of the loss of Andreas Moshopoulos quickly spread through the Greek-American community, with relatives, friends, and associates expressing their deep sorrow.

The visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 10, at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 150-05 12th Avenue in Whitestone, 2-5 PM and then 7-9 PM. From 5-7 PM there will be an interruption due to the Paraklesis service.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 11, 9:30 AM, at Holy Cross, and burial will be at Nassau Knolls Cemetery, 500 Port Washington Blvd in Port Washington.

Andreas Moshopoulos and his son, Niko, in happier times. (Photo: Courtesy of the family)

The National Herald expresses its condolences to the family.

Andreas Moshopoulos was born on May 10, 1953 in the Village of Havriata in Kefalonia, Greece. He leaves behind a loving wife and three children; Eleftheria, Niko, Dionisi and Ismini. Together, with the support of his wife they began the difficult task of raising a family in New York City, just as many Greeks did during those times. With the little they had and all the challenges ahead they managed to raise three children giving them love, support, and the best opportunities to succeed.

Moshopoulos’ battle with pancreatic cancer began 15 years ago. After a major surgery and countless treatments his cancer went into remission against all odds. During those times, the family grew together and cherished every moment that they were gifted with him. Once again, he defied the odds beating the effects of COVID-19 back in March of 2020 after being hospitalized. But as fate would have it, he was once again challenged with the return of the same battle he fought 15 years ago. Again defying the odds, he mustered the strength and willpower to witness the news of his daughter’s pregnancy and marriage of his son Dionisi. Never wanting anyone to worry, he fought quietly alongside his family. After a long fight, one year after recurrence, he left us peacefully on August 7, 2021.

Moshopoulos was known for many things including his strength, his work ethic, his passion of his roots. Above all, he was most known for the love for his oikogeneia – his family. In his memory, the family has established a GoFundMe page. In lieu of flowers, any generous donations will be used towards a medical organization in Kefalonia, Greece in great need of funds. “We know that it would make him happy to give back to the island that he loved so much,” the family said on the GoFundMe site, adding that “we all love and miss him more than words can describe and we wish him a safe passage to heaven until we meet again. May his memory be eternal.”

More information is available on the GoFundMe site: https://gofund.me/c626483d.