SAUGUS — Founder of the Hammersmith Family Restaurant, Constantino “Costa” Agganis, died Feb. 1 at 94 after a long life of serving the community and caring for his family.
Agganis immigrated from Logganiko, Sparta, Greece, to Montreal, Canada, in 1931, where he met his wife, Niki, and settled in the United States in 1969, planting their roots in Lynn. Their three children, Steve, Debbie, and Angelo, would be raised on Wyman Street.
Agganis would plant roots again in 1974, when he and his wife would open the Hammersmith Family Restaurant, a place they built through hard work and years of perseverance.
Customers of the Hammersmith Family Restaurant remember Agganis as a great man who showed everyone respect, and he welcomed all, customers and employees, with open arms, which was evident in the work ethic that he passed on to his children.
According to granddaughter Stacey Politis and other family members, Agganis had a lasting impact on his family and the community he helped build over decades.
It was noted that “Family was always at the center of his life, and he took great pride in providing stability and opportunity for his children and grandchildren.”
The Hammersmith Family Restaurant speaks on the values Agganis and Niki carried in life: consistency, humility, and care for others.
“Over 50 years later, the restaurant continues to thrive under the leadership of two of their children, Debbie and Angelo, and their son-in-law, Peter. Passing this family legacy to the next generation was a source of immense pride for Costa and Niki, and the restaurant stands as a living continuation of everything they built,” the family noted.
When highlighting family memories, it was mentioned that they were filled with togetherness and comfort, and that Agganis visited the restaurant daily and spent summers in Greece with Niki.
“He was deeply proud of where he came from, having grown up in Logganiko, a small village in Sparta, Greece, and he carried that pride in his heritage throughout his life. His Spartan roots shaped his strength, work ethic, and sense of responsibility to family,” they said.
Agganis was especially proud of his grandchildren, Stacey Politis, Costa Politis, Kosta Agganis, Niko Agganis, Gerry Agannis, and Kosta Agganis, following their lives closely, celebrating their accomplishments, and showering them with love.
“Whether through shared meals, conversations, or simply being present, Costa had a way of making family feel connected and secure,” the family said.
Agganis leaves behind a legacy grounded in faith, perseverance, and devotion to family. His life reflects the immigrant journey of coming to America and working hard for the American Dream, “defined by sacrifice, resilience, and pride in building something lasting.”
The family noted that his story is one of purpose and commitment and that his greatest legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren in the values he passed down and the family he helped shape.
“The lessons he taught: work hard, stay humble, honor your roots, and take care of one another, will continue to guide generations to come,” the family said.
