Andrew Small

Andrew Small (Smoleski), 92, fell asleep in the Lord on Monday, November 1, 2021 after a long battle with his health, but not his wit and humor. Papa Andrew, as he was affectionately called, was born in Koma tou Yialou, Famagusta, Cyprus, and a son of the late Elias and Anastasia Chrysostomos Smoleski. He was also pre-deceased by his wife, Margaret Triantas Small, and siblings, Andriana Lysandrou (Antonis), Elias Smoleksi (Margaret), and Dimitri Smoleski (Fosterou).

Papa Andrew immigrated at age 17 to the United States and like so many other immigrants, had no knowledge of the English language. He began working in restaurant kitchens throughout North Carolina and Virginia first learning how to make homemade pies. Eventually, Andrew settled in Greensboro, NC and began work at the Eat Well Café where he met and married Margaret Triantas.

After a few years, the family moved to Charlotte, NC for a short stay, and eventually settled in Spartanburg, where he worked at the Deluxe Diner before becoming a partner at the Crestmont Restaurant at Hillcrest Shopping Center, and finally, the owner of the Skillet Restaurant. His love of cooking did not stop with retirement as he was constantly baking homemade bread for neighbors, friends, and most of all, for the extended family “grandchildren” that adopted him as their “Papou” (Grandfather).

Upon retirement, Papa Andrew was heavily involved with the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Community in Spartanburg, where he mentored many young men how to assist in the Altar during the Divine Liturgy and other church services.

He is survived by two sons, Nick Small (Maria) of Spartanburg, SC and Tommy Small of Cornelius, NC and was especially proud of his grandchildren, Andrew Small (Amanda) of Lexington, SC, Despina Small of West Columbia, SC, Athan Small of Mooresville, NC, and Maggie Small of Spokane, Washington. Papa Andrew’s greatest joy was seeing his two great grandchildren, Kennedy Nicole Small (6) and Andrew Nicholas Small Jr. (2). Andrew had numerous nieces and nephews scattered throughout Cyprus, Greece, and the United States.

Visitation will be 5:30 – 7:30 PM Sunday, November 7, 2021 with the Trisagion Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307. A Funeral service will be at 11:30 AM Monday, November 8, 2021 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 697 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29303, conducted by The Rev. George F. Nayfa. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1107, Spartanburg, SC 29304.

The family would like to thank the numerous neighbors, friends, and St. Nicholas community, for their calls, visits, and food they would bring Papa Andrew while he was dealing with his health issues.

Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel