Popular restaurant and horse owner Costas Triantafilos passes at age 85

Costas Nick Triantafilos, founder and patriarch of Costas Inn in Baltimore and a well-known Thoroughbred owner, passed away March 24 at the age of 85.

A native of Greece, he came to the United States at age 15. Through perseverance, generosity and a commitment to family and community, he built a lasting legacy.

His landmark Costas Inn is an institution that became far more than just a restaurant. For more than 54 years, Costas Inn has served as a gathering place for friends, family, and the entire community. People came for the crabs and other great food, but they returned because of him and the family he built.

Triantafilos supported countless individuals, organizations, and causes. Whether it was helping someone pay their medical bills, making sure a struggling family had food on their table, donating to the Church and Philoptochos Society, or just ensuring the local sports clubs had a sponsor, he never hesitated.

Triantafilos had a deep love for horse racing. His first victory as a Thoroughbred owner came Dec. 8, 1985, when Blue Carrot, won at Penn National Race Course. From 2000 to 2013, Triantafilos won more than 100 races, and his horses earned more than $1.8 million. Many of his horses were trained by Dale Capuano, who was based at Laurel Park.

In 1999, he was named the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association “Owner of the Year,” an honor that spoke not only to his success in racing but to the kind of man he was—the kind of person you would want to call family.

Triantafillos was the devoted husband of 64 years to his beloved wife, Mary Tsambika Triantafilos, and the father of Nick Triantafilos, Pete Triantafilos (wife Stacey), and Christine Shifflet (husband Michael). He has 10 grandchildren—Maria, Costas, Demetra, Kayla, Sophia, Matthew, Gianna, Brandon, Michael, and Rachel. He is also survived by his sister, Anastasia Kougoulis.

The public viewing will take place at Connelly Funeral Home of Dundalk Sunday, March 30, from 1-8 p.m. with a Trisagion service at 7 p.m. Another public viewing will be held on Monday, March 31, from 10-11 a.m. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery, 7225 Eastern Ave. in Baltimore.

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