Eftihios "Eddie" Marnelakis, 81, of Southbury, owner of the Blue Colony Diner in Newtown, died peacefully October 5, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Christine (Theodorakis) Marnelakis. He was born in Greece on the Island of Crete, November 7, 1934, and was a son of the late Argiro (Skoulas) and Panayioti Marnelakis.www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

Mr Marnelakis immigrated to Montreal, Canada, in 1955, where he married his wife Christine. Together they came to America in 1968, where they spent the rest of their lives raising their three children.

He was considered a pioneer in the diner business. He took great pride in his work and his great success. His staff and daily customers became lifelong friends and family. He anxiously awaited the summer months so he could plant his abundant garden, where many of his friends would come to visit and pick vegetables. He also took great care and love in raising farm animals such as goats, chickens, and rabbits. He loved wine making and taking his grandchildren hunting.

He was a member of the Cretans Association Minos-Crete in Springfield, Mass., Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Danbury, and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Waterbury.

Besides his wife of 61 years, he leaves behind his three children and their spouses, Peter and Donna Marnelakis of Danbury, George and Michelle Marnelakis of Southbury, and Argero and George Hamilakis of Southbury. He will be greatly missed by his six grandchildren, Christine, Elefterios, Christo, Eftihios, Mihali and Xristina. Two sisters, Eleni Stathatos and her husband, Peter, and Dimitra Vourvouchakis and her husband, Emmanuel, all of Rhode Island; his brother Yianni Marnelakis of Crete; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly also survive Mr Marnelakis. Two sisters, Pagona Katsigarakis and Viendriki Manoussakis, predeceased him.

The funeral service will take place Tuesday, October 11, at 11 am, at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury. Burial will follow at St Peter's Cemetery, 71 Lake Avenue Extension, Danbury. Those attending the funeral are asked to meet directly at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. Calling hours will be Monday, October 10, from 4 to 8 pm, at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury. A Trisagion Service will take place at 7:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury CT 06811, or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 937 Chase Parkway, Waterbury CT 06708.

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