Leonidas Bavas

Leonidas Bavas (Jan. 12, 1938), lovingly known as Louie was called to join the Lord suddenly the morning of Tuesday, November 16, 2021. He was married to Maria for over 61 years.

He was humble, kind, funny, generous, wise, and exemplified what it means to live a Christ-centered life.  Louie was born in Andros Greece. He arrived to the United States in 1956.  After two weeks, he fell in love and married his wife Maria. Louie started work immediately as a dishwasher at a busy New Jersey restaurant, saving his money and planned for a future while taking care of his family in Greece.  Louie and Maria proudly and successfully operated several popular restaurants in the New Jersey and Philadelphia ( Louie’s Charcoal Pit Hearth 17 and Tiffany Diner) before retiring over 20 years ago where he enjoyed a warm climate of Boca Raton, Florida. Those who knew him also appreciated Louie’s humor. He was always quick with funny remark, loved to cook healthy food, and enjoyed daily walks with his dog Athena in Boca Raton.

Over the years Louie achieved success and enjoyed comforts of life, but he never forgot what it was like to not have food or money. He is remembered by many for helping them get on their feet, secure jobs, open restaurants, and be providers to their families. He was the founder and owner operator of Tiffany Diner along with his family, a landmark in Philadelphia area for over 20 years . He has an unforgettable personality. Louie was loved by the customers, employees, and dear friend to thousands of people he met throughout his life. All who met Louie will have a story to make you laugh. His passion was his garden and feeding the wild ducks.

He is survived by his three sons who feel so blessed to have been raised by such a strong man: Nicholas Bavas (Aileen) of Clive, Iowa; Thomas Bavas (Jan) of Yardley, PA, and Michael Bavas (Janet Irene) of Skippack, PA. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Nicholas (Rachel), Ryan, Justin, Kristina, Alex, Madison, Maria, Louie, Yanni and two great grandchildren Nicholas and Julian. All of them loved him beyond measure and were so blessed to call him Papou (grandfather).

Louie also is survived by his sisters in Andros Greece, Chrisoula and Maria, along with many nephews, nieces, sister in laws and godchildren who Louie called his family.

Also preceded in death are his parents Nicholas & Penelope; his sister Sophia and brother Michael and many other aunts, uncles and relatives who made up his large family.

Family and friends may attend the viewing at 9:30 on Friday, November 19,2021 and the Funeral at 10:00 at Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church 2100 Yamato Road Boca Raton, FL
33431.

In Lieu of Flowers please donate to
St. Mark’s Greek Orthodox Church at 2100 Yamato Rd,
Boca Raton Fl. 33431
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at 815 NE 15th Ave.,
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33304

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