Paraskevi Antonakos, lovingly known as Pat, died peacefully in her home on Wednesday, May 17 at the graceful age of 92. Born in Danielson, Connecticut, on June 23, 1931, to Vasiliki and Konstantinos Solomos, who immigrated from Patra, Greece, she grew up with two sisters, Alice and Anna. At 18, she spent a summer working as a waitress in Old Orchard Beach Maine, where she met her future husband, Christos Antonakos.
From humble means, Paraskevi and Christos became successful business people, operating two restaurants, along with several fast-food stands. With the aid of her surviving children, Jetta Antonakos, Charles Antonakos, Peter Antonakos and Georgia “Gigi” Antonakos Reynolds, she dedicated tremendous labor to serving her loyal customers throughout all seasons and holidays for over 50 years. Her establishments were well known landmarks, recognized as The Roundup in Old Orchard Beach and The Colonial Hut, which was later named Christo’s, in Biddeford, Maine.
She nearly worked around the clock during the “peak of the busy season” in the awe of her employees, customers and family as they witnessed amazing fortitude. Often realizing her appearance from not having time to get her hair done she would repeatedly claim, “I am beautiful no matter how I look!” Her reputation servicing her community was well deserved as the “Queen of Banquet Feasts and Parties.” Thousands of people may be regarded as fortunate to have sat in her restaurant or at her table enjoying.