Stephen Athineos was a bike messenger, then storeowner

Stephen Thomas Athineos, a small business owner who was active in the Riverdale Soccer Club, died on Dec. 17 after a brief illness, his family said. He was 59.

Mr. Athineos was born March 5, 1956 in New York City, the son of George Athineos and the former Evangeline Laris. He was married to Sheila Ann Cobb and had two children, Madison, 20, and George “Lexington,” 16.

Mr. Athineos was a graduate of SUNY Brockport in the class of 1982. He was an avid cyclist and bike messenger prior to opening a messenger service, Mother’s Messengers, which he co-owned and operated for more than 20 years. He is lovingly remembered among New York’s bike messengers community.

Recently, Mr. Athineos and his sister Elizabeth opened The Bike Shack, a bike shop and rental service in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Mr. Athineos was co-owner, chief mechanic and sales representative.

He was a stellar athlete since his youth, when he played basketball, soccer and ultimate Frisbee. He enjoyed playing golf and was a lifelong passionate fan of the New York Jets and the New York Mets. In addition to coaching with the Riverdale Soccer Club, he served as an assistant coach for his son’s Little League team in Inwood Park.

Mr. Athineos was a talented musician and enjoyed playing harmonica while jamming with friends. He loved cuddling his dog Beau-D and taking him for long walks in nature. He also loved to cook and host large gatherings, and became known among family and friends for his chili, hash browns, cheesy eggs and the best chocolate chip cookies to be found. Steve was a gatherer of people and kept his family and multitude of friends close throughout his life.

Mr. Athineos’ greatest love and joy was his family. He relished their adventures and their day-to-day life. He is survived by his wife Sheila, his children Madison and Lexington, sister Elizabeth Athineos, of Billerica, Massachusetts, mother Evangeline, niece Jody, nephew Luke, mother-in-law Sharon Lewis and brother-in-law Ray Cobb, both of Louisville, Kentucky. He also is survived by a large extended family in Greece. His father predeceased him.

A memorial service and celebration of Mr. Athineos life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, located at 124 Wadsworth Ave. in Manhattan.

A memorial bike ride is planned for Saturday, Jan. 16 beginning at Madison Avenue and East 23rd Street in New York City at noon.