Aaron Dorman

Menelaos "Mike" Karamesines, 80, aka Uncle Menny, died peacefully of natural causes last week after over five decades of running a New York-style pizzeria in Valparaiso.

Karamesines, whose restaurant, Uncle Menny’s Original Greek’s Pizza, has been a Valpo staple since 1969, was remembered by friends, family and colleagues as a warm, gregarious mentor and community leader.

“His legacy will continue through all of us,” the pizzeria team said in a statement. “Making families gather and smile with one another, and spreading positivity through what we do best.”

Uncle Menny’s is currently run by Karamesines’ son, Alex Karamesines, and Mike's wife, Kim, who has been a close partner in running the restaurant as well.

Alex Karamesines said that Uncle Menny’s will continue to “make

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