Athanasios "Tommy" Pappas, the founder of Franklinton's well-known Tommy's Diner, passed away Monday at the age of 71.
Pappas' son, Michael, posted the news of his father's passing Tuesday on the diner's Facebook page. The post said the elder Pappas had a "larger than life personality and he will be severely missed and will leave a massive void in our lives."
"(Tommy) was a legend with an incredible story. I’m honored to be his son and I look forward to continuing his legacy at the diner. I love you Dad, Heaven got a good one," Michael Pappas wrote.
The white brick, 1950's-style retro diner on West Broad Street has stood since 1989 when Tommy Pappas and his wife Kathy founded it.
Many local celebrities, politicians and regular customers have their photos framed on the walls of Tommy's. The diner was just featured this year on Columbus-native Guy Fieri's Food Network show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."
Late Tuesday morning, the diner was bustling with newcomers and regulars alike grabbing a coffee or classic diner fare and Greek food on the menu.
Bonnie Hodge, 71, a retired Columbus City Schools bus driver from Orient, had already heard about Pappas' passing. Hodge has been a regular at the diner since she was young and lived in Franklinton.
Hodge said she was shocked to learn of Pappas' passing.
"He was a vibrant man, full of life and involved in everything, you know, and just hard to believe," Hodge said.
Hodge said she is friends with the Pappas family. She said they are very good people, involved in the community and were friendly people who accepted everybody.
"This place was Tommy's life. And for it to keep going strong... he wouldn't want people to be sad about it. He would want people to come in and enjoy the good times. Share their opinions on everything from politics to family life and to still be a part of the community," Hodge said.
She said her favorite memory of Pappas was the support he gave to her and her family when her grandson nearly drowned. Her grandson survived, but became deaf. Pappas continued to check in on Hodges and her family through the years.
"He'll be sadly missed for a long time now. But Michael's been involved in the business for awhile with Dad, and he has the same traditions and the same good food, and I'm sure they'll keep up the business," Hodge said.
The Pappas family has not announced any public services as of Tuesday afternoon.
