The death of a Queens auto shop owner was deemed a suicide after he was found in a pool of blood inside his closed business Monday afternoon.
The 65-year-old man’s brother discovered his body at around 3:15 p.m. at Mekniko Autoworks on Cross Island Parkway in Whitestone.
The victim was lying next to a power tool with deep cuts to his neck and elbow. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities later identified the man as Michael Koloniaris. An autopsy determined his injuries were self-inflicted.
Patrons and neighbors remembered Koloniaris fondly, describing him as a “great guy.”
“He would help anybody – him and his brother,” an acquaintance said. “Any foreign car you had, these guys could figure it out. What a shame.”
“He was a sweetheart, that’s all I can say. He would help you anyway he can. If you didn’t have the money, come back. That kinda guy.”
