Andreas Dionyssiou, co-owner of Rudy's Hot Dog, passed away peacefully on the July 20, 2017. He was born November 26, 1928 in the village Sysklipos, Cyprus. He was the son of Polexeni and Dionyssios Hadgiharalambou.

In the late 1940's Andreas, or as his friends called him Andy, left his homeland of Cyprus and immigrated to the United States. Soon after, Andy met the love of his life, Joan Richardson. They married in 1951. Immediately after marriage, Andy was drafted into the Korean War serving his country bravely with an honorable discharge as Sergeant in the United States Army. Andy and Joan had two children, Daniel and Paula. Their family grew to include 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, all of whom Andy loved deeply, never missing a chance to spend time with them.

Daniel Dionyssiou, a worker since childhood at the family business, Rudy’s Hot Dog, whose repartee and warmth drew customers to his Alexis Road location, passed away at age 63.

His father, Andreas, and his Uncle Harry are presidents of Rudy’s Hot Dog, founded in 1920 by their uncle, Rudy Poturedes. Each location is owned by a family member. Mr. Dionyssiou started working at the Sylvania Avenue restaurant and became owner of the Rudy’s on Alexis in 1984.

“He was the person people go there to see,” said his daughter, who oversees sales of Rudy’s hot dog sauce and chili. “What my dad learned from my grandfather is you’re running a business, but you’re forming relationships with your customers. They want to come there to eat your food — and for the camaraderie. My dad had a joke for you every time.”