Obituary of Elias Evangelou

Evangelou, Elias age 91, of River Vale, after living all of his life, Elias Evangelou, passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 28, 2015 at the Buckingham at Norwood Care and Rehabilitation Center. The family is very grateful to all the personnel for the skill, respect and long term care accorded him. At 91, he was the last survivor of his family's generation. Elias is pre-deceased by his beloved wife of Marianthe nee; Katsanos and his loving son, Panagiotis. His pride in his family; daughter Kosmedora along with her spouse Pavlos Hatzis, and grandchildren Dr. Gregory Hatzis and Panagioti Hatzis and his spouse Aliki and great grandchildren Paul and Dimitri; Loving daughter in law Angela Evangelou, grandchildren Marie and her spouse Rob Kriner and great grandchildren Greyson and Reid; and granddaughter Linda Evangelou, was unparalled and unconditional. Elias, by trade, was a builder and a waiter. He loved to garden and found much joy each day painting. "Painting and sketching for Elias was very therapeutic and gave him a sense of serenity. He was at peace when he painted." It exercised his memory and encouraged a sense of mobility. Despite the praise of others, Elias dismissed his work as being good. He would pick up his paintbrush and humorously say, "Give me 50 more years and I'll be the best painter!" Such as life, despite his overwhelming obstacles and long term physical challenges, he persevered and encouraged others to "choose to be happy and not worry over tragedies you have no control over! And never once questioned, why God?" Among the many things, he will be remembered for is the pride he had in his heritage (born in Schoriades, Northern Epirus) and unwavering zest for life. He approached life with an eternally profound positive spirit, and ALWAYS celebrated life! The family will receive their friends on Friday 4:00 - 8:00 pm at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street "opposite the Fort Lee Library". All are asked to Assemble Saturday in St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 9:30 AM. If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to one's beloved charity of choice. For condolences, directions, or information call (201) 944-0100 or www.frankpatti.com