Obituary of Philip Kasidonis

Philip Kasidonis passed away on May 15, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and close friends. He was the beloved husband of Alexandra for 46 years. Loving Father of James Kasidonis (Maria), Marina Siniscalchi (Tom), Jamie Antenucci (Anthony), Nicole Koutsouvanos (Jimmy), Mel Stratakis (Laura), Ria Carnavas (John), Nick Stratakis (Tracie) and Jim O'Hanian. Cherished Grandfather of twenty-four and devoted great-grandfather of nine. Dear Brother of Michael Kasidonis, Essie Ricciardi (Rick) and the late Harry Kasidonis (Thomisina). He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Philip was born in Brooklyn and moved to Staten Island at an early age. He was raised with his two brothers and one sister in Tompkinsville and later moved to Grasmere and Finally Dongan Hills Colony where he happily lived out the last days of his Life with his friends and family. From a young age he worked with his cousins and brothers along side his Father and his uncles as most entrepreneurial Greek families do working in the restaurant business. After his Father passed at an early age, Philip picked up the reins of the business and successfully navigated the well-known Honeywood Diner on Staten Island where he further expanded his skills as an owner and chef. The love of the business drove him to venture over to Perth Amboy New Jersey where he and his brothers Mike and Harry, operated "Jim's Barge Seafood and Steak Restaurant". Phil's fun loving personality and desire to make every customer part of the Kasidonis family made The Barge, a favorite with the Perth Amboy locals and Staten Islanders for over twenty years. During his years at the Barge, fate would bring him together with his Childhood Sweetheart, Alexandra. Together they decided to embark on a life journey that would bring eight more lives into their household and require Phil to find a new passion so that he could spend more time with his ever-growing family. So, in the early eighties he left the restaurant business and he partnered up with Morty Reiss who took him under his wing and taught him all about the home building business. For the next thirty years Philip fulfilled the dreams of homeowners by creating custom homes and residences all over the borough until his retirement in 2007. Of all his success in life the one he held most dear was that of his Family. Holidays and Special occasions at the Kasidonis residence was open to all his loved ones and their friends. Spending his later years as a Papou (Grandfather and Great Grandfather) gave him so much pleasure. Watching his children grow to adults and raise their families made him proud and grateful to his Lord where he faithfully worshipped as a parishioner at St. Nicholas Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: On Your Mark, Inc., 645 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310 in memory of Philip. Funeral from Mathew Funeral Home Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Monday, departing 9:30 am. Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Nicholas Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 10 AM. Interment to follow at Moravian Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to visit on Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm.