Costas N. Triantafilos, the venerable owner of Baltimore's Costas Inn, tragically passed away due to carbon monoxide poisoning at his Glen Arm home on Monday. As reported by WMAR2 News, the Baltimore County Fire Department discovered dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide during a call initially prompted by a cardiac arrest. A vehicle left running in the garage has been identified as the cause of the deadly carbon monoxide buildup. Costas' wife, Mary, was also affected but is expected to recover and be released within the next day.

Staff and patrons of the iconic restaurant, which has been a fixture of the community since 1971, are left deeply grieving the loss of a man nicknamed 'Mr. Costas'. Many viewed Triantafilos as a father figure and a beacon of commitment and warmth. According to a CBS News Baltimore interview, a bartender at Costas Inn, Christine Thamert, described Triantafilos as "nobody tougher or stronger" and stated that "there's not an army that could fill that man's shoes."

The community's response to Triantafilos's death signals not just the passing of a local business owner but of a person whose life was deeply woven into the fabric of the local culture. "Every day he was happy," Thamert recalled in her interview with CBS News Baltimore. "No matter what, it was a good day." The staff at Costas Inn, resolved to honor his legacy, are carrying on serving the community, echoing his dedication to work and people.

The restaurant had been in operation under Triantafilos for 54 years. His business-savvy and familial approach to his staff and customers extended far beyond the establishment's walls. Pete Triantafilos stated, as per WBALTV, that his father was his best friend and shared, "He loved people. He loved everyone." While managing the emotions and the restaurant after such a loss, the staff finds solace in each other and the community's support.