James Harry Coroneos

James “Dimitri” Harry Coroneos passed away peacefully on November 10, 2022 surrounded by his loving wife, sister, and children. 

James was born in Athens, Greece to Haralambos Coroneos and Vasiliki Coroneos (Nee Trivella). James was predeceased by his father, mother and brother-in-law Tassos Koumboulis. James is survived by his devoted wife, Mildred “Millie” Coroneos (Nee Shema), and his his loving children, Amalia “Litsa” Wethern (Tom), Haralambos “Lambi” Coroneos (Jeannie), Christina Robb (Neil) and dear sister Panagiota “Penny” Koumboulis. James was also the cherished grandfather of Alexander Wethern, Kallista Wethern, Dillon Robb, Julian Robb and Jackson Robb. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends, here and abroad.

James emigrated from Greece to the United States in 1955 to unite with his grandfather.  His grandfather was a proud owner of a restaurant on main street in Ellicott City, Maryland. It was there that James got his first job and met his beloved wife, Millie. Not long after, he took her to her Senior Prom and their journey together began.  James went on to purchase and establish a Catonsville, Maryland icon later to be known as Dimitri’s International Grille. An entrepreneurial spirit, strong drive, and determination to thrive was born which resulted in the restaurant being a success for over 58 years. 

The Beef-Ke-Bob Sandwich, eight years in the making, was his pride and first achievement. He created US patents for both his Gyrotisserie machine and Beef-Ke-Bob recipe. Well regarded in Catonsville, Ellicott City, and beyond as his signature sandwich with more than a million sold and craved by many throughout the years. 

As he and his wife gained a positive reputation throughout the years for their passion, loyalty, and genuine relationships, Dimitri’s became the place where we all joined for family nights, daily happy hours, to milestones and lifelong memories. Many had their first job at Dimitri’s and James was a true mentor of wisdom to many. All that knew him adored and respected him.  

The greatest legacy of all for James is the love of his life, Millie, and his family. As hard as he worked in the business his priority remained his family. James closed the restaurant every August to take his family to Greece to celebrate his heritage with his best friend and sister, Penny and many dear relatives.

In Greece, at the end of one's life, you are not measured by your successes rather you are measured by your passion for life. If you knew James, you knew his passion, his heart and devotion to life. May that passion be carried through his children and beyond.

A memorial gathering will be held on January 14, 2023 from 11am-1pm at Candle Light Funeral Home. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at, https://www.youtube.com/@candlelightfuneralhome9144

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Harry Coroneos, please visit our floral store.