Pete Cotsones

Generations of Kankakeeans lost a friend as Pete Cotsones, 79, of Bourbonnais died January 8, 2018. He was born in Vrondamas, Lakonia, Greece on June 10, 1938. Pete came to the U.S. as a teenager and became a business owner in his early 20s, when he and his brother Gus opened the View Restaurant in Meadowview Shopping Center. Well known for his kindness of spirit, generous nature and sense of fun, “Pete the Greek” took pleasure in providing jobs for young people, good meals for his customers and support for countless organizations. A man of faith, Pete was a longtime member and former Parish Council President of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. He was a natural athlete and excelled at soccer and golf. Most recently, he enjoyed bowling with his fellow “old timers.” Through the years, Pete could be found trading jokes and giving hugs to friends and customers at the View, the Town and Country and the Council Table Restaurants before going into food sales. Pete took special joy in his family and was a loving father and grandfather. Family get-togethers were always marked by laughter, music and the simple joy of being together. Pete is survived by daughters Rena Cotsones (Marco Lenis) of Caledonia; Maria (Robert) Eicke of Porter, IN and Angela (Kevin) Shea of Kankakee; grandchildren Jon and Corinne Eicke and Alex and Celeste Shea. He is also survived by his long-time companion, Suzy Harwell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Angela, and his brothers, Chris and Gus. The wake will be held Wednesday, January 10, 4 to 8 p.m. at Brown-Jensen Funeral Home, 21 N. Main, Manteno, IL, with the Trisagion service at 7 p.m. The funeral will be held Thursday, January 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 296 North Washington Ave, Kankakee, IL. Burial will be in Mound Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley.