In Memory of Symeon Tsoupelis

Obituary

Symeon Tsoupelis, 84, of Chula Vista, CA and formerly of New Hartford, died on February 21, 2026.

Symeon was born on October 26, 1941, in Xanthi, Greece, the second youngest child of Athanassios and Euridike Tsoupelis. Raised with the strong values of faith, family, and hard work, he spent his early years in Xanthi before moving to Athens as a young man. Determined to build a meaningful future, he pursued formal training in hospitality at a hotel and restaurant school in Rhodes, and later continued his education at the Welthandel Schule in Vienna. Even in his youth, Symeon’s ambition, discipline, and natural warmth set him apart.

After completing his studies in Austria, Symeon moved to Montreal, where his eldest sister was living. There he worked at the Queen Anne Hotel, beginning what would become a lifelong devotion to the restaurant and hospitality industry. It was in Montreal that he met the love of his life, Ann Lawler Clark of Richfield Springs, New York. Their courtship, though brief, was filled with devotion and determination. For three months they traveled back and forth across borders to see one another. When Symeon accepted a position in Germany, he asked Ann to be his wife. Symeon worked to establish their home abroad. Soon after arriving in Germany, however, Ann called with life-changing news — she was pregnant. Without hesitation, Symeon returned to the United States to build their future together.

Back in New York, Symeon worked tirelessly — first as an assistant manager at McDonald’s and as an insurance agent for Metropolitan — always focused on providing for his growing family. A few years later, he operated the Court View Luncheonette in Utica. Then, in 1973, with courage, conviction, and an unwavering belief in himself, he opened the first Symeon’s restaurant on Oneida Street in Utica. He often told the story of standing at the intersection of Oneida Street and the Parkway, handing out samples of his Greek cuisine to passing motorists to entice them inside. That boldness, personal touch, and pride in his heritage became hallmarks of his success.

In 1976, he and Ann opened a second location in the Village of New Hartford. Recognizing the demands of business and family life, they chose to focus on the New Hartford restaurant, nurturing it carefully. In 1982, as longtime employee Robert Rowlands fondly recalled, Symeon arrived late one morning, told Bob to get in the car, and drove him past a property on Commercial Drive, declaring, “Welcome to our new home.” That location became the heart of Symeon’s Restaurant and was expanded numerous times over the years. He often referred to the restaurant as his “sixth child.” It was more than a business — it was an extension of his identity, his heritage, and his love for the Mohawk Valley community he proudly served.

Symeon was not only a successful restaurateur but also a deeply civic-minded individual. He believed wholeheartedly in giving back to the community that supported him. There was scarcely a local cause, fundraiser, youth program, or civic effort that he did not support in some way. He was an unwavering advocate for the Mohawk Valley and believed passionately in its potential. His patriotism was profound and sincere. He would often say, “You are an American by accident; I am an American by choice.” After the births of his children, he always said the proudest day of his life was the day he became a United States citizen.

Above all else, Symeon was devoted to his family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Ann; his daughter Regina; her husband, John Wright; as well as his parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife, Piedad Martinez Tsoupelis; his children Martina Volland and her husband Reiner and their daughters Luca and Lavinia; Symeon A. Tsoupelis and his wife Shelli and their children Sophia and Symeon; Thomas and Lisa Tsoupelis; Peter and Nikki Tsoupelis and their son Dimitrios; and Regina and John’s children Lucas (Stella) Wright and Annie Wright. He also leaves his stepchildren, Marlow, Mark, Mathew and Vanessa.

Symeon and Ann cherished their time in Cape Cod, where they purchased a home in 1989 and created treasured memories with family and friends. After Ann’s passing in 2001, Symeon also found peace and enjoyment spending time in Bradenton and on Anna Maria Island. In 2014, during his beloved daughter Regina’s final year, it was her heartfelt wish that brought Symeon and Piedad together. Their union was a blessing, and for the last twelve years of his life — spent largely in Chula Vista — Piedad was a loving and devoted partner who brought him comfort and companionship.

When he was not at the restaurant, Symeon could often be found fishing along the Salmon River, on Lake Ontario, or most especially at Nauset Beach, where he felt closest to nature and at peace. Fishing was his quiet joy, but family was his greatest pride. He adored his children and grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments and supporting them unconditionally.

Symeon Tsoupelis lived the American dream through grit, generosity, and gratitude. He built not only a thriving business but also a legacy of love, resilience, and service. His life was defined by faith in opportunity, devotion to family, pride in heritage, and deep appreciation for the country he chose as his own. The Mohawk Valley has lost one of its greatest champions, but his spirit endures in the family he cherished, the community he strengthened, and the countless lives he touched.

Symeon also leaves behind his largest family, the employees of Symeon’s Restaurant who considered him as a second father, a mentor and friend.

As our friends at Hospice said, “Today, in his honor, we ask our community to carry forward the example he lived by every day:

• Smile first.
• Welcome warmly.
• Treat everyone like an old friend.” His kindness lives on — in his family, in his restaurant, and in the heart of everyone he touched.

The funeral will be on Thursday, March 12th at 10am at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Campus 2222 Genesee Street. The family will greet everyone following the Mass. Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider The Abraham House and Hospice and Palliative Care in memory of Symeon.

For online expressions of sympathy please go to fwefh.com.