Constantine (Costa) John Kiriakatis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, in-law, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on June 8, 2026.

Born on July 25, 1934, in Vagia, Thebes, Greece, Costa lived a life devoted to family, faith, hard work, and generosity. He was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, NJ, and deeply loved his parish family.

In January 1956, Costa immigrated to the United States in search of a better life, joining his brothers and first settling in Dover, NJ. He later lived in Astoria, Queens, and Newark. A dedicated and industrious man, he worked a variety of jobs, including as a barber, while pursuing studies in electronic engineering. He ultimately built a successful career at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), where he worked for 35 years before retiring in 2004.

Costa's greatest blessing came when he met the love of his life, Avi Papatheodorou. After first spotting her at the Miss Greek Independence Day Pageant in 1964, he knew she was someone special. On October 31, 1965, they were married and went on to build a beautiful life centered on love, faith, and family, sharing more than six decades together.

Costa was truly a Renaissance man. He could build, repair, or create almost anything with his hands. Whether helping family and friends with a project, solving a problem, or sharing his practical wisdom, he approached everything with patience, determination, and humility.

He was also a gifted storyteller who loved sharing memories of his life. Family and friends were captivated by his stories of growing up in Greece, his cherished childhood experiences in Vagia, and the remarkable accomplishments of his father, Yiannis, a pioneer of Greek clarinet music. Through these stories, Costa preserved his family's history and heritage, passing along a deep appreciation for Greek culture and tradition to future generations.

In his later years, he discovered a love for painting and greatly enjoyed creating artwork alongside his beloved wife.

Costa is survived by his loving wife, Avi; his children, Yiana and Gary Leichtling, and Chris and Lexi Kiriakatis; his beloved grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride: George, Ava, Dean, Nick, and Alex; and many cherished nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, relatives, and friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, humor, wisdom, and generosity. The family is forever grateful to his caregiver, Maia, who, over the past two years, has become family.

He was preceded by his parents, Yiannis and Evangelia Kiriakatis, and his brothers, Christos and Anastasios Kiriakatis.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallows Hill Road, Westfield, NJ 07090, on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, New Jersey, in memory of Constantine Kiriakatis.

Costa's life was a testament to faith, perseverance, love, and devotion to family. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, storytelling, and unwavering love that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη — May his memory be eternal.