LEWISTON – George Simones, the jovial grandfather who played host to lawmakers, political hopefuls and hungry locals at his downtown restaurant for nearly six decades, was laid to rest Tuesday. He was 85.

More than 200 family members and friends, including Gov. John Baldacci and city leaders, filled the small Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lewiston for the morning funeral service. At one point, the line to sign the guest book stretched out the church doors and down the snow-covered front steps.

The Revs. Ted Topsses, Denis Lajoie and Charles Simones, George’s brother, officiated during the hour-long service, offering prayers beside the silver casket draped with white flowers and a folded American flag.

“George has lived an incredible life, touching so many souls,” said the Rev. Charles Simones during his older brother’s eulogy. “He lived the example of Christ. He lived the example of life that is love for one another. I thank God for the blessing that he has touched my life as he touched all of your lives.”

Born in Lewiston in 1918, George Simones began working at his family’s restaurant as a boy. Only war could tear him from his place at Simones’ Hot Dog Stand.

After serving with the Army Air Corps during WWII, he returned to Lewiston and the family business.

In its heyday during the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s, Lewiston’s downtown bustled with mill workers who bought Simones’ hot dogs from a walk-up window. Over the years, politicians started appearing at the restaurant to capitalize on a busy place with lots of votes.

Several political hopefuls kicked off congressional campaigns at the restaurant. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, Rep. Michael Michaud and Gov. John Baldacci visited during their campaigns.

Simones, an easy-going, sociable host, welcomed everyone and encouraged customers to speak their minds.

“People felt comfortable going into that store, whether they were carpenters or whether they were governors,” said Rev. Simones

George Simones officially retired in 1982, passing the business to his son, James. But Simones, who was known to many as “Papou” – “grandfather” in Greek – continued to greet customers until the day after Christmas.

That was when doctors found he had a brain tumor. He died two weeks later.

At the funeral service Tuesday, friends and family said goodbye to him one last time. Many cried as they left the church where Simones had worshipped his entire life.

Said family friend Francine Peters as she wiped away tears, “If anybody ever needed a best friend, I would say George would be the best candidate.”

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