Stefanos "Steve" M. Kostis

Stefanos "Steve" M. Kostis, of Whiting, a hardworking family man, peacefully passed away after a long illness at the age 73. Steve was born on the Island of Kos in Greece on August 17, 1950, and he departed from this world on July 14, 2024, in New Brunswick, NJ.  In 1968 Stefanos arrived to  "America" along with his family in pursuit of the "American Dream" and resided in Jersey City where many other Greek immigrants lived and helped one another. He worked in a metal press factory and later when he learned to speak English, his dream became a reality! Steve opened up his first pizza parlor Jersey City style.

Steve had an infectious smile that was contagious. His sense of humor and jokes with his brothers are memories that will live forever. He loved spending time with his family and cherished every moment shared with his loved ones and was a dedicated husband to the love of his life Joann (Galasso) Kostis, who he met June 13, 1970 in front of George's Pizzeria and married December 28, 1975. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories for his surviving family members: his wife Joann; his sons Michail and Demetris; daughter-in-law Sarah; and his beloved grandchildren Alexander, Dylan, and Ava.

In addition to his immediate family, Steve is survived by his  brothers Ted, Vasili, and Kriton, sister in law Susan, brother in law George, brother & sister in laws Michael & Debbie Galasso, niece Maryann McBrinn (Ryan), along with Maryann's children Maxine and Riley, nieces Becky, Efrosine, Despina, Ionna, Voula, and Angela, nephews Franco, Nicholas, Peter, Michael and Victor, many cousins and friends. Although Steve is no longer with us, he joins his late father and mother Michail & Despina (Kostoglou) Kostis in eternal peace. He is also reunited with his late brothers Demetris and Taki, sister Maria, father-in-law Anthony Galasso and sisters-in-law Carol & Mary Louise and brother in-law Gus.

Beyond the walls of Napoli's Pizza & Restaurant in SC, Steve found solace in hobbies that brought him joy. An avid soccer fan, he enjoyed watching games and spending leisurely hours soaking in Greek TV shows. His passion for music filled the air around him with melodies of Greek "Laika" and the Oldies but Goodies songs that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him. A true green thumb at heart, Steve found peace in nurturing his garden and tending to his beloved fig trees.

As we bid farewell to Stefanos "Steve" M. Kostis in physical form, we carry forward the memories of a kind-hearted man who touched numerous lives with his warmth and love. May he rest in peace knowing that he was cherished beyond measure and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Those who knew Steve are invited to pay their respects at the upcoming visitation services. The first visitation will take place at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home in Whiting, NJ on July 18, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

The following day, a second visitation will be held at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Toms River, NJ on July 19, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM. The funeral service will immediately follow from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the same location.