BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Christou family will be closing its three restaurant locations in Newtown and Warrington for one day on Tuesday as it celebrates the life of the family's patriarch.
Longtime restaurateur Kyriakos "Charlie" A. Christou of Newtown, who passed his love of the restaurant business to his sons, Mike and Antoni, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 22. He was 68.
Christou came to the United States as a refugee from Cyprus with little more than hope for a better life and through hard work, determination, and an unwavering love for his family, he built a successful life and a lasting legacy.
Over a 45-year career as a restaurant owner, he created not only successful businesses, but a circle of family, friends, employees, and guests who became like family to him.
"To him, it was never just about restaurants. It was about people - the countless employees, guests, friends, and members of the community who became part of his life and, in so many ways, part of our family," wrote the family on Facebook.
He was known for his extraordinary kindness, generosity, and genuine care for every person he encountered. He had a rare ability to make everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved, his family said.
"To know him was to love him, and his warmth, generosity, and love for others will remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him," said his family.
Charlie passed his love of the restaurant business to his two sons, Michael and Antoni, who own and operate Ardana Food and Drink in Newtown and Warrington and KC Prime in Warrington.
"This Tuesday, September 29th, all three of our Bucks County restaurants will be closed as our family comes together to celebrate the life of our beloved father, grandfather, and patriarch, Charlie," the sons posted on Facebook.
"If you knew Charlie through one of our restaurants over the years, we would love for you to join us as we celebrate his life, share memories, and honor the incredible impact he had on so many people," the family said. "Our family would be truly honored to see all of those who knew and loved Charlie."
His viewing will be held Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, Richboro 18954, and on Wednesday morning, Sept. 30, at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1200 Klockner Road, Trenton 08619, from 10 a.m. until his funeral at 11. His interment will immediately follow in Newtown Cemetery in Newtown.
The family asks that donations be made to Kin Wellness & Support Center, a nonprofit cancer center providing non-medical treatments to Bucks County cancer patients and their families. Donations may be made in Charlie's name at welcometokin.org/give
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