Wading River Greek Island Diner owner Andy Drepanis dies at 63

Andrew “Andy” Drepanis — the longtime owner of the Greek Island Diner in Wading River and a cornerstone of the hamlet’s dining and social life — has died after a battle with cancer. He was 63.

News of Drepanis’ passing was shared by his family this week, setting off a wave of grief and tributes from customers, former employees and neighbors who viewed the diner not simply as a place to eat, but as an extension of Drepanis himself.

Drepanis opened the Greek Island Diner in 2007 in a Wading River shopping center, bringing something entirely new to a community that had never had a diner of its own.

Raised in the restaurant business, he learned the trade as a teen and young man working alongside his dad at a diner in Jamaica, Queens.

“Being a lifelong born and raised resident in Wading River, I have to say when Andy and Marian first opened the diner, it was a first for Wading River — a diner in Wading River? No way!” wrote Sue Koz in a Facebook tribute. “Well, yes way. Andy brought that to us all. Proudly. And you definitely feel like more than a customer every time you enter.”

For Drepanis, the diner was never just a business. He was most at home behind the grill or sitting in his favorite front booth, greeting regulars, sharing stories and making sure everyone felt welcome. Over time, he built relationships that turned customers into friends and friends into family.

“Andy always greeted guests with a smile and asked how everything’s going,” wrote Dan Virdone. “He will surely be missed, but know the family will continue doing what Andy started.”

Former employees echoed those sentiments, describing Drepanis as a boss who led with compassion.

“I’ve worked in a lot of places in my lifetime, and I will say Marian and Andy always treated me like one of the family,” wrote Jennifer Scarpitta Tabala. “He was definitely one of the best bosses I ever worked for — a real person, caring, always there to listen and give good advice.”

Drepanis is survived by his wife, Marian; his sons, Andrew (and his wife Lisa) and William (and his wife Arielle); his grandchildren, Rosalia, Michael, William and Zachary; his sister, Phyllis (and her husband Steve); and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, godchildren and relatives.

Family members said Drepanis worked tirelessly to provide for those he loved.

A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Port Jefferson. Burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Center Moriches.

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