MARIA KOZOMBOLIS LEMAY

A member of a prominent Lowell family Co-owner with her brother of Captain John’s Restaurant

LOWELL - Maria Kozombolis Lemay, 64, coowner and operator, with her brother Nicholas Kozombolis, of Captain John’s Restaurant and Lounge in Cupples Square, passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023 in Boston, following a brief battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife for 15 years of Brian J. Lemay and devoted sister of Nicholas P. Kozombolis.

Maria was born in Lowell on March 15, 1959, a daughter of the late John and Stavrula “Stella” (Papanastasiou) Kozombolis. She was a graduate of Presentation of Mary Academy and Lowell High School, 1977, receiving high honors at both institutions. Maria also studied Law at Suffolk University in Boston.

Maria was brought up in the restaurant business. Her parents, John and Stella had established two successful restaurants in the Highland’s Cupples Square location on Westford Street, first the Lobster Basket, and later, Captain John’s Restaurant and Lounge, expanding on their prior success. Maria and her brother Nick worked alongside their parents until their deaths, John in 1983 and Stella in 2019. Maria and Nick took over the ownership and day to day operation of Captain John’s continuing their parent’s legacy, serving yet another generation of patrons good spirits, cold beer, and the best fried and baked fresh seafood anywhere.

When Maria wasn’t at the restaurant, she enjoyed going to the beach and traveling to Aruba with her husband Brian. Maria enjoyed cooking for her family for all the holidays. She also enjoyed decorating her home and restaurant with flowers for holidays and special occasions. She loved shopping. Maria was a very loving person, caring for everyone, especially her employees. She was also very generous to our local charities and especially to Rosie’s Place in Boston.

Maria is survived by her husband Brian Lemay, her stepdaughter Alyssa J. Lemay; her brother Nicholas P. Kozombolis; several cousins and her Godchildren; Marcus, Fotulla, Sammy, and John; Maria leaves countless friends, patrons, and customers of her beloved Captain John’s, who’s friendship over the years has felt like family to her. Last but not least, she leaves her dog, C.J. Lemay and cat Thumper.