BROOKLYN, NY – Entrepreneur Diana (‘Donna’) Siafakas has died at the age of 69. For more than three decades, she ran the historic Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a bakery that has become synonymous with the neighborhood and is considered a New York City landmark by both residents and visitors.
According to her family, Diana Siafakas passed away on June 30. News of her death was also shared through a handwritten notice posted at the entrance to the shop, informing customers that the bakery would be closed on July 8 in memory of their beloved “Donna.”
Donna Siafakas took over Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop in 1993, when she and her Greek-American husband, Christos Siafakas, purchased the business. The couple had previously operated a restaurant before deciding to invest in the historic bakery, which has been in operation since the 1950s.
Over the years, the business became a true family enterprise. Their two sons, Demetri and Spyros, joined the day-to-day operation as soon as they reached adulthood, while Donna’s sister also played an active role. As noted on the bakery’s website, the family remained faithful to the original recipes and philosophy that established Peter Pan as one of New York City’s premier destinations for donuts.
The bakery’s reputation eventually spread far beyond Greenpoint, earning national recognition. Its distinctive interior was even recreated for a scene in the film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, starring Tom Holland and Zendaya.
As expected, news of her passing deeply affected the local community. Dozens of customers and family friends paid tribute through messages describing her as a woman known for her kindness, hospitality, and warm personality.
“The world has lost a truly special person. She touched so many hearts, including mine, and her kindness will never be forgotten,” one tribute said.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 8 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Brooklyn, where relatives, friends, and members of the local community will bid farewell to the Greek-American businesswoman whose name became inseparable from one of the city’s most beloved family-owned establishments.