Donna Siafakas, the co-owner and operator of the renowned Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, died on June 30 at the age of 69. Her death was announced by her family and marked by a handwritten sign posted on the shop's door.
Siafakas became the proprietor of the long-standing establishment in 1993, taking over the business with her husband, Christos. Together, they continued to operate the bakery, which has been a neighborhood staple since the 1950s. Their sons, Demetri and Spyros, later joined the business, reinforcing its status as a family institution.
The shop is celebrated for its donuts, including yeast and cake varieties, made from original family recipes. Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop gained national recognition, even being recreated for a scene in the Marvel film "Spider-Man: No Way Home."
A funeral mass was scheduled to be held for Siafakas at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Customers and community members shared their condolences online, remembering Siafakas for her kindness and the impact she had on the community. "The world has lost a truly special person. She touched so many hearts, including mine, and her kindness will never be forgotten," one commenter wrote on her digital obituary.