Angelo Kostakes

Angelo Kostakes

June 18, 1929 – October 28, 2023

Angelo Kostakes, 94, of Holmdel, N.J. passed away peacefully on October 28, 2023 at Bayshore Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on June 18, 1929 in Newark, N.J. to Konstantinos and Zaphiria Kostakes. At the age of five, Angelo moved to Neapoli, Greece with his mother and older brother George.  Soon after, a second brother, Peter, was born. It was a challenging time and the brothers struggled under the harsh conditions brought on by WWII, the German occupation and the passing of their mother, which forced them to move in with relatives. Like many young men at the time, Angelo did what he could to resist the occupiers, and for a brief period was even held as a German prisoner.

During this period, Angelo also developed an interest in fishing, a passion that he pursued for decades and eventually passed on to his sons. At the war’s end, Angelo returned to New Jersey and rejoined his father. He was 17 with little money or formal education, yet he taught himself English by listening to the radio and eventually scraped up enough to open a modest auto repair business on Combs Alley in Newark.

Angelo was drafted in 1946 and proudly served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army. In 1950, he met the love of his life, Rita Efstathiou, and the two were married in May of 1955. They went on to raise three sons, at first in Stirling, N.J., then in Warren township.

Angelo’s old-school work ethic guided him in his career and he went on to found a successful auto body repair business in Irvington, N.J. that to this day bears his name. He approached work with meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to treat both customers and employees fairly and with respect. He was also an avid reader with a burning interest in politics and current events who enjoyed people and made friends easily. For all that, Angelo became a respected figure in the community and worked at the business he started until retiring at age 65.

Over the years, the family vacationed at the Jersey Shore and eventually purchased a second home there where Angelo could fulfill his passion for fishing, and his overriding joy in life – spending long summer weekends with his wife, sons, and extended family. The beach house was where the family gathered to celebrate milestones or to support each other during difficult times. Angelo and Rita were generous with their good fortune and there was always room at their table for guests.

Angelo is preceded in death by his brothers, George and Peter. He is survived by his wife Rita, children Dino Kostakis, Nick Kostakis, George (Karen) Kostakis, grandchildren Kristen (Zachary) Rozano, Christopher, Kyle, Nicole, Eric, Katelyn, and great grandchildren Charlotte and Olivia.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 2, at 9:15 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallows Hill Rd., Westfield, N.J. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery and Arboretum, 1100 E. Broad St., Westfield, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, Holmdel, NJ.

May His Memory Be Eternal.