Cleanthes Podaras SR

Cleanthes Podaras was born on October 12 in 1930 to Panagiotis and Hariclia (Karakatsanis) Podaras. His father was at one point, the mayor of Corrisos, Kastoria. Despite hardships of war, he, as many did not, graduated from high school. At 19 as a refugee following World War II, he emigrated to the U.S., and set out to find his piece of the American Dream. Possessing his entrepreneurial spirit and seven dollars in his pocket, he began with a service position at the Fountain Blue Hotel in Miami, Florida. He learned the language and culture, and while waiting on various celebrities, namely Vincent Price. Never wavering from commitment to family in Greece, he would send much of his earnings to his parents, living modestly on the remainder. Over time during the following years he encouraged and when possible, facilitated the passages of family, to join him here in the states.

To find their own success stories, his sister, Eva, her husband Emanuel, Cleanthes's brother Georgios and his wife Evangelia came as well. Nephews Panagiotis and Paul, born to Georgios and Evangelio, as well as Taki, Nectaria, and Hariclia born to Eva and Emanuel were sources of great pride. His wife's brother, Dimitrios Papagiannerris also emigrated extending the family circle with his wife, Evangelia and later with children, Kostandino, Manolis, Dominiki and Marika. As his love for learning was an inherent character trait, he frequently extended invitations for his beloved nieces and nephews to join his home if they wanted to better their own educations or pursue opportunities. He himself had a hope of one day attending Columbia University. However, this dream, while not realized, motivated him to encourage his children and family to strive for and appreciate the value of an education. Thusly, he extended his support by hosting his brother's son, Panagiotis Podaras, his cousin's son, Petros Podaras and later other friends of family at different points over the years.

These acts of familial priority and generosity came to be while and after working in New York City, then marrying Kaliiopi Papagianneris of Evia, Artaki in 1958. He then brought his experience, skills and bride to New Britain, CT, adding his wife's parents, Dominiki and Kostandino Papiagianerris to the family's home. Cleanthes worked his way up the ladder of the restaurant industry; first by working for several restaurants, then as partner at a restaurant in New Britain. He earned himself the station of owner of his own restaurants, including Pizza Palace, The Fireside Restaurant (which was renamed Quinnipiac Restaurant), and finally and most notably Cliff's Pizza and Restaurant.

His five children, with his wife Kalliopi, Hariclia, Konstantine, Panagiotis, Cleanthes, and Elpiniki carry his spirit and pride with them still. His grandchildren, Nicholas, Alexander, Dean and Christian, will no doubt, also carry on his bravery in their own life stories yet to be written.