Vito’s Founding Father Mourned By Family, Community

The Georgoudis family, which owns Vito’s restaurants, is mourning the loss of one of its patriarchs.

Peter “Papou” Georgoudis passed away on Friday at the age of 89, according to his obituary.

“As Vito’s founding father, his presence, his stories and love of his family will forever be engrained in our community,” the family said in a statement on Facebook.

Peter and his three brothers — Constantine, Nick and Demetrios — emigrated to Montreal from Greece in the 1950s and 1960s.

Constantine, who passed away last spring, relocated to Moncton and opened the first Vito’s restaurant in 1969.

Peter, Nick and Demetrios stayed behind in Montreal, where they opened the Mister Donut franchise in 1970.

Not long after, the three brothers moved to New Brunswick to open the first Saint John Vito’s location in 1972.

“The Vito’s restaurants thrived from Peter’s hard work ethic and strong family values,” said his obituary.

“As proud as Peter was of the business, his first and foremost priority was family. His children and grandchildren brought him so much joy and happiness.”

Peter received two Governor General awards: the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

He was also recognized in the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame as a builder. Peter and Nick won both the Allan Cup in 1992 as owners of the Saint John Vito’s, and then the Calder Cup in 2001 as the Saint John Flames.

“We know this loss will [affect] the Vito’s family and our cherished community – as a celebration of a life well-lived, we ask that you share a memory, or a moment of laughter you had with Peter – he wouldn’t want it any other way,” the family said in its statement.

Peter was predeceased by his parents, his wife Maria of 55 years, and his brothers Constantine and Demetrios.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rothesay.