Obituary of Dimitrios Ktenas

Dimitrios "Jimmy" Ktenas, 72, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home on October 29, 2013. He was born to the late Demosthenis and Alexandra Ktenas on November 13, 1941 in Karya Lefkada, Greece. He served in the Greek Navy before emigrating to the U.S. in 1961 where he lived with family in New Jersey. Jimmy went on to study culinary arts, and began his family when he returned to Greece to marry his loving wife Ioanna Ktena on June 26, 1983; they later settled in upstate New York. Jimmy was associated as a chef with several eatery establishments over the years including, the Van Dyke Restaurant, Jamaica Inn, Northway Inn and Gateway Diner, among others, but his lifelong goal was always to own a business of his own. Jimmy and his wife took over the Burnt Hills Café in 1992 and over the past 21 years of business touched many lives. He was dedicated to his customers and community and never missed the opportunity to shake every single one of their hands and make sure everything was okay or give ice cream to all of the kids. He always said "If you're happy tell your friends, If you're not tell me and I'll correct it." A popular chef for many years, he was beloved by the community for his dedication to family and friends and his tireless work ethic. As a young man he enjoyed playing soccer in Greece. When he wasn't at the Café he enjoyed spending time at home relaxing with the family or in his garden. Family was always first in his life as a devoted husband, and dedicated father and grandfather. His work in the kitchen and superior service put smiles on many people's faces over the years. He is survived by his beloved wife Anna, his loving daughters; Alexandra Ktenas Casey (Patrick W.S.) and Diamanto D. Ktenas, and his adoring granddaughter, Gianna Morgan Casey. He leaves his beloved brother, Haralambos Ktenas of Greece and numerous nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters-in-law, family and friends. Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 4 at 10:30 AM at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church, 107 Clinton St. Schenectady. Relatives and Friends are cordially welcomed and may also call at the GLENVILLE FUNERAL HOME to pay their respects, 9 Glenridge Rd. Glenville Sunday from 4 PM to 8 PM where a Trisagion will be held at 7:30 PM. Interment will follow the services at St. Anthony's Cemetery on Glenridge Rd. Memorial contributions may be made in Jimmy's name to St. George's Greek Orthodox Church. Online messages to the Ktenas Family may be made at www.glenvillefuneralhome.com.