Beloved husband of Phyllis J. Tsevis (nee Slaton). Dear father of Chris (the late Rose) Tsevis, Vicki (Daniel) Clemens, Stephanie (the late Marc) Johnson and Athena (Scott) Pauly. Dear grandfather of Johnathon (Kacie) Klipp, Peter Brightman, Justin (April Fitzgerald) Brightman, Sean (Kassandra) Clemens, Cassandra Clemens, Christopher (Lauren) Tsevis, Blake (Kelly) Pauly, Nikko Pauly, Jessica (Max) Gorman, Aspen Pauly, Jacqueline Johnson, Jacob Johnson and the late Candice Burdette. Dear great grandfather of Jacob, Matthew, Russell, Jade, Lucy, Louis, Rose, Jace, Kaiden, Lilly and Hunter. Dear brother of Kathy (Pete) Makos and the late Gus (Kay) Tsevis, Effie (Pano) Halastanis. Former spouse and loving mother of his four children to the late Harriet Tsevis. Our dear uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Pete was born on January 3, 1934, in the mountain village of Pogoniani, in the Epirus region of Greece. He loved sharing stories from his childhood, many of which became treasured family favorites.
As a young boy, Pete became gravely ill. Fearing for his life, his mother called for a village healer, who cut the sign of the cross into Pete’s forehead. The scar remained faintly visible throughout his life. Horrified by what had happened, his mother immediately chased the healer out of the house. Miraculously, Pete recovered.
Another favorite story perfectly captured both Pete’s mischievous spirit and his mother’s determination. One morning, instead of heading to school with his friends, he wandered off in the opposite direction. His mother picked up a rock and threw it at him, striking him and leaving another lifelong scar. Needless to say, Pete turned around and went to school.
At the age of 13, following the end of World War II, Pete immigrated to America with another family to join his father, who had previously settled in St. Louis for work. He often spoke about the two-week voyage across the Atlantic and how terribly seasick he became. His childhood friend, Aris Pappademos, kindly brought him oranges during the journey to help settle his stomach. Soon afterward, the rest of his family joined them once their immigration papers were approved.
After arriving in St. Louis, Pete attempted to continue his education, but because the war had interrupted his schooling, he found himself too far behind to continue. Instead, he went to work, beginning as a paperboy before finding employment at the Chase Park Plaza and Jefferson Hotel. Through hard work and determination, he worked his way from busboy to server and eventually to waiter. He later accepted a position at Tony’s Restaurant, where he continued building the work ethic and hospitality that would define his career.
When he was old enough, Pete enlisted in the United States Army. When he discovered paratroopers made an extra fifty dollars a month, he was quick to sign up. His decision didn’t sit well with his mother, but it was another example of Pete’s willingness to work hard to build a better future. While stationed at Fort Bragg, Pete famously went AWOL to return home and marry the mother of his children, Harriet. Together they returned to his Army base in South Carolina, where Pete learned to cook. That skill became one of his trademarks, and family and friends never stopped talking about how much they loved his meals.
After completing his military service, Pete and Harriet returned to St. Louis, where he resumed working at Tony’s Restaurant. They welcomed their first child, Chris, followed a year later by Vicki, then Stephanie, and many years later, baby Athena. Along with his children, they practically raised his baby sister Kathy. They also helped raise one of their grandchildren, Justin.
Always looking for opportunities to provide a better life for his family, Pete opened Miss Stephanie’s Cafeteria in the St. Louis Hills Medical Building. It quickly became a true family business, with everyone pitching in. As the business prospered, he sold it and purchased the Palms Cafeteria on Watson Road in Sunset Hills.
Pete’s restaurants became much more than places to eat. He employed numerous students from Lindbergh High School and neighboring schools, giving many young people their very first jobs. He employed his momma, sisters, cousins, extended family members, and newly arrived immigrants who simply needed someone willing to give them a chance. His personality and genuine love for serving people made him an incredibly successful businessman and a mentor to many.
Later, Pete purchased the Fountain Cafeteria on Gravois, where Stephanie was old enough to join the family business. Retirement eventually came, but it didn’t last long. Pete soon returned to doing what he loved by opening Tsevis’ Pub & Grill in Concord Plaza, where his daughter Athena, and son-in-law Scott helped him build yet another successful business. In the spirit of keeping his business in the family, Tsevis’ Pub & Grill was later owned and operated for several years by his only son, Chris and wife Rose.
Those fortunate enough to work with Pete still remember the sayings that became legendary in his restaurants. When he heard glass break, he would yell over the intercom, “Wash them, don’t break them!” And whenever someone made a mistake, his favorite response was simply, “Hog brains!” His humor, larger-than-life personality, and unforgettable one-liners left lasting impressions on everyone who knew him.
Pete worked tirelessly to provide for his family, but he also knew how to enjoy life. He created countless treasured memories during summers at the Lake of the Ozarks, where family gatherings became a cherished tradition. He was also the first person to show up whenever someone was sick or grieving, almost always arriving with food in hand. Caring for others came naturally to him, and feeding people was one of the many ways he showed his love.
Pete later married Phyllis. For 22 years, she lovingly cared for him, and together they divided their time between Missouri and Florida. Every Christmas, they spent a month in Arizona with Athena, or in Florida with Stephanie and their families, creating more memories together.
One of Pete’s favorite family celebrations came on his 90th birthday, when his children and grandchildren surprised him in Arizona for a weekend of laughter, storytelling, and good-natured roasting. It was a celebration filled with love that the family will cherish forever.
As Pete grew older, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him much joy. He continued to grow closer to his Greek Orthodox faith and was one proud Greek!
Pete was a proud member of AHEPA and enjoyed fishing, gambling, cooking, and playing cards. Just one week before his passing, he made one final trip to the Lake of the Ozarks—the first in five years. There, surrounded by most of his children, grandchildren, and loved ones, he cooked one more meal, played cards with his grandchildren, watched old family movies, and spent precious time with some of those he loved most. None of them knew it would be their last gathering together, making those few days an extraordinary gift.
Pete’s story is one of perseverance and unwavering devotion to his family. From a small village in Greece to building successful family businesses in St. Louis, he lived the American dream through hard work and an unmatched love for entertaining tables full of people. His greatest accomplishments were measured by the restaurants he owned, by the family he raised, the opportunities he gave to others, the countless meals he prepared, and the time he poured into everyone fortunate enough to know him.
His stories will continue to be told, his voice will continue to echo around family tables, and his legacy of hospitality, resilience, and incredible work ethic will live on for generations.
SERVICES: Visitation at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church (1755 Des Peres Road St. Louis, Missouri 63131) on Tuesday, July 14, 9:30 until funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Interment St. Matthew Cemetery.
Family and friends plan to informally gather at Hessler’s Pub & Grill (11804 Tesson Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63128) on July 14, from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, I.O.C.C. or the American Heart Association are appreciated.