News Summary
The Northville community is in mourning following the passing of Athanasios ‘Tommy’ Peristeris, a beloved restaurateur and community figure. Tommy, who passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, leaves behind a legacy of warmth, family, and culinary passion. Known for his joyful spirit and hospitality through his restaurants, Tommy’s life will be celebrated during a memorial service at the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church this Saturday.
Northville Bids Farewell to Beloved Restaurateur Athanasios “Tommy” Peristeris
Northville, Michigan, is in a state of sorrow as the community mourns the loss of Athanasios “Tommy” Peristeris, a cherished restaurateur, devoted family man, and passionate community member. Tommy, aged 77, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy that will forever warm the hearts of those who knew him.
A Life Well-Lived
Tommy was born on September 6, 1947, in Mouzaki, Greece, and from an early age, he captured the hearts of everyone around him. With a smile that could light up a room, he was known for his joy, warmth, and unyielding positivity. He was a loving husband to Pagona Peristeris and a proud father to his children—Apostolos, Elena, and Tonia—who often reveled in the stories and laughter shared at the dinner table.
As a grandparent, Tommy was adored by his grandchildren: Pagona, Alexia, Athanasios “Tommy,” Aris, and another Alexia. Each moment spent with them was a treasure, filled with love and cherished memories that will not soon fade. He was the son of the late Apostolos and Eleni Peristeris and had numerous siblings, with whom he shared many joyful memories, including Louiza, Efthimia, and Fotios, among others.
A Passion for Food and Family
Tommy’s entrepreneurial spirit shined brightly through his well-known Parthenon restaurants, where he expressed his boundless hospitality and love for food. His passion for the culinary arts wasn’t just about keeping a successful business; it was about fostering connections among people. He had a special gift for bringing families and friends together over delicious meals and creating lively atmospheres filled with laughter and love.
At the heart of his success was a deep love for his family and a genuine desire to ensure the happiness of his customers. Tommy believed that food had the power to unite people, and he thrived on the joy that it brought to the community.
A True Community Figure
Beyond the kitchen, Tommy was a devoted follower of the Greek Orthodox Church, finding solace and joy in traveling with Pagona to various monasteries throughout Greece. This connection to his faith and heritage was a vital part of his identity and enriched the lives of those around him.
Tommy was not just a restaurateur but also a friend to many. His warmth extended to everyone he met, and he was always ready with a kind word or a hearty laugh. He enjoyed cooking, spending time with his family, exercising, and watching sports, which allowed him to share pieces of his life that brought him joy.
Final Farewell
The community will have the opportunity to pay their respects during the visitation at the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, February 22, starting at 1:00 PM. A heartfelt funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM, allowing family and friends to come together to remember and honor Tommy’s life. A luncheon will be held at Big Tommy’s Parthenon after the service, providing a comforting space for everyone to share stories and celebrate his remarkable journey.
A private family burial is planned for Tuesday, February 25, marking a dignified farewell to a man who touched so many lives.
Honoring a Loving Legacy
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Peristeris Family Endowed Fund for Pediatric Research at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, a cause dear to Tommy’s heart. This fund supports vital research for children affected by life-threatening or chronic diseases, reflecting Tommy’s enduring legacy of love and generosity.
Tommy’s warmth, thoughtfulness, humor, and love will forever be missed and cherished by all who knew him. As the community gathers to remember him, it’s clear that his spirit will continue to inspire and unite many in days to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Hometown Life: Scott Frush Obituary
- Wikipedia: Northville, Michigan
- MLive: Karlene Werner Obituary
- Google Search: Northville Michigan
- Legacy: Bryce Coleman Obituary
- Google Scholar: Northville, Michigan
- The Oakland Press: Mary Davis Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Northville
- Tribute Archive: Margaret F. Morgan
- Google News: Northville Michigan April 2025
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
