NEW YORK-APR 19: Chef Michael Symon attends the Food Bank for New York City’s Can-Do Awards Dinner 2017 at Cipriani’s on April 19, 2017 in New York City.
Birth Name: Michael D. Symon
Place of Birth: Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Date of Birth: September 19, 1969
Ethnicity:
*Rusyn/Ruthenian, possibly other (father)
*Greek, Italian/Sicilian (mother)
Michael Symon is an American chef, restaurateur, television personality, and author.
Michael is the son of Angeline/Angela “Angie” (Mavias) and Dennis F. Symon. Michael’s parents have been described as “Greek, Italian, and Eastern European American.” He is married to Liz Shanahan.
Michael has said:
I grew up in a big food household. My mom is Greek and Sicilian. My father is Ruthenian, so food was a central part of our family.
Michael’s paternal grandfather was Preston A. Symon (the son of Joseph B. Symon/Simon and Bertha M. Riley). Preston was born in Pennsylvania. Joseph was born in Pennsylvania, to parents from either Czechoslovakia or Austria, who were listed as “Slovak speakers” on the 1920 U.S. Census. Bertha was born in Pennsylvania.
Michael’s paternal grandmother was Olga Duranko (the daughter of Joseph “Joe” Duranko and Eva Lanzchik/Lescharchik). Olga was born in Pennsylvania, to parents from either Slovakia or Hungary, who were listed as “Magyar speakers” on the 1930 U.S. Census.
Michael’s maternal grandfather was named Constantine/Constantino “Gus” Mavias/Mavis. Constantine was born in Greece.
Michael’s maternal grandmother was named Concetta/Consetta. Concetta likely was of Sicilian Italian descent.
Sources: Obituary of Michael’s paternal great-uncle (grandfather’s brother), Francis Xaviar Symon – http://www.findagrave.com
Michael’s paternal great-grandparents, Joseph B. Symon/Simon and Bertha M. Riley, on the 1920 U.S. Census – http://www.familysearch.org
Death record of Michael’s paternal grandmother, Olga (Duranko) Symon – http://www.familysearch.org
Obituary of Michael’s paternal grandmother, Olga (Duranko) Symon – http://www.newspaperarchive.com
Obituary of Michael’s maternal grandfather, Constantine/Constantino “Gus” Mavias/Mavis – http://www.newspapers.com
Photo by Debby Wong/www.bigstockphoto.com/