On Tuesday, November 4, Gus Vlahavas, known to generations of Prospect Heights community members as the proprietor of Tom's Restaurant on Washington Avenue, passed away at age 76.

Founded by the Vlahavas family in 1936, Tom's is one of the neighborhood's most established businesses and cherished institutions. Many loyal customers line up around the corner on Sunday mornings for brunch, and Gus often served them cookies and orange slices while they waited. Gus' kindness and generosity of spirit were as much of a part of his restaurant as its cherry lime rickeys and vintage decor. 

There will be a wake for Gus on Sunday, November 9 from 2-4 pm and from 7-9 pm at Cobble Hill Chapels on Court Street and Dean Street in Cobble Hill. Memorial services will be on Monday, November 10 at 9:30 am at St. Constantine and Helen Church, 64 Schermerhorn Street in downtown Brooklyn.

Remembrances of Gus can be added to a memorial Facebook page.