TROY>> One of the Collar City’s most famous residents died last week at age 88.  

Steve Vasil, proprietor of the popular Congress Street eatery Famous Lunch in Troy died on March 13 at Van Rensselaer Manor with his loving family by his side.

Vasil was born, raised and educated in Kasitera, Greece. He served as an officer in the Greek Army, before immigrating to the United States in 1955.

He co-owned Famous Lunch in Troy, well known for its hot dogs ands rice pudding, with his brother, Nicholas Vasiliades and worked there for over 50 years until his retirement in 2006.

“Steve loved his work and serving his customers and always had welcoming words and a gracious smile,” his obituary read. “He enjoyed nothing more than a good political discussion with his friends and customers.”

He and his wife Christina Vasil had a daughter Paula Vasil Varsamis and and a son Scott Vasil, who now operates Famous Lunch.

Outside of the hot dog joint, Vasil was an avid bee keeper, gardener and enjoyed deep sea fishing.