Obituary for Gust Kostidakis
Gust Kostidakis, 88, of Wall NJ, took his final journey, the most meaningful of all, into the arms of our Lord and Savior. Gust passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
Born in Chios, Greece, to Semos and Angela Kostidakis, he was the oldest of seven children. At 19 years old, Gust arrived by boat to New York City. The first of the Kostidakis family to venture to the United States in hopes of fulfilling the American Dream. For a short time he lived with his Uncle in Wisconsin, until he finally decided to fulfill his passion and trade as a tailor and designer for shoes and headed back to New York City by train. Unfortunately, the language barrier left him in Newark, NJ where he found himself lost and realized he was not in New York City. Gust asked if there was a Greek Orthodox church nearby and was directed to St. Demetrios church, where he went to the priest for help. As it turned out, the priest was also from Chios, Greece and knew his father, Semos Kostidakis, the shoemaker. The priest took Gust in, and from that moment on, helped him start his life in New Jersey.
Slowly, Gust was able to bring his whole family to America which included his parents, four sisters and two brothers. He married Marika and had three children, all while working diligently at Robert Lewis leather factory, Long Branch, NJ. During his time at Robert Lewis, he was the chief pattern maker and his position granted him the opportunity to travel to parts of the world, such as Paris, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Argentina. After a few years, he left Robert Lewis and took an opportunity in Albany, NY where he owned and operated his own diner and nightclub. After Albany, he moved his family to Ocean Township, NJ where he continued his love and passion for manufacturing and design. Gust achieved the American dream by opening up a factory, creating his own line in the leather industry, PARK V. After 20 years in business, Gust retired PARK V. Two years into retirement, his dedicated work ethic landed him as a chef at Wegmans in Ocean Township, NJ for eight years until finally committing to full retirement.
Some of Gust’s professional achievements include, two of his own private labels, PARK V and Pierre Simone. In 1978 Gust won a Men's Apparel award for designer of the year in the leather industry. He attended FIT, New York City, where he received a degree in pattern making as well as teaching fashion design at the school in the evenings. Gust also made leather vests for the Blue Knights of northern NJ and police jackets for several municipalities in New Jersey, including the NJ State Troopers.
Gust had a work ethic like no other, running circles around people half his age and lived his life to the fullest. Gust loved having family gatherings at his home and entertaining almost every holiday. He was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather (papou). He loved people and people loved him, but most importantly, he loved God.
Gust became the Patriarch of the Kostidakis family after the passing of his father. His biggest trait was his abundant love for everyone. His adoration for his children and grandchildren encompassed his world and was a father to all who knew him. His family and friends will never forget his love, respect, compassion, empathy and the authenticity of his soul.
Gust is survived by his sons, Peter Kostidakis of Eatontown, NJ and Semos (Lisa) Kostidakis of Wall, NJ and daughter Angie Kostidakis-Garofalo of Wall, NJ. Four Grandchildren Marika, Alex, Chloe and Ava. Sisters Athena Hadjimarkos of Ocean Township, Joanne (Chris) Cosmas of Ocean, NJ, Effie Gardner of Ari and Maraki (George) Epitropakis of West Caldwell. Two Brothers Perry (Litsa) Kostidakis of Bloomfield, NJ and John (Magda) Kostidakis of Chios, Greece. He is also survived by 19 nieces and nephews, and several godchildren. Gus is predeceased by his wife, Marika Kostidakis, his parents Semos and Angela Kostidakis.
The viewing for family and friends will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1033 West Park Avenue, Ocean Twp, NJ on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM with the church service immediately following. Burial will follow at St. George Cemetery in Neptune, NJ. In Lieu of Flowers donations in his memory can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. https:/lls.org. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Born in Chios, Greece, to Semos and Angela Kostidakis, he was the oldest of seven children. At 19 years old, Gust arrived by boat to New York City. The first of the Kostidakis family to venture to the United States in hopes of fulfilling the American Dream. For a short time he lived with his Uncle in Wisconsin, until he finally decided to fulfill his passion and trade as a tailor and designer for shoes and headed back to New York City by train. Unfortunately, the language barrier left him in Newark, NJ where he found himself lost and realized he was not in New York City. Gust asked if there was a Greek Orthodox church nearby and was directed to St. Demetrios church, where he went to the priest for help. As it turned out, the priest was also from Chios, Greece and knew his father, Semos Kostidakis, the shoemaker. The priest took Gust in, and from that moment on, helped him start his life in New Jersey.
Slowly, Gust was able to bring his whole family to America which included his parents, four sisters and two brothers. He married Marika and had three children, all while working diligently at Robert Lewis leather factory, Long Branch, NJ. During his time at Robert Lewis, he was the chief pattern maker and his position granted him the opportunity to travel to parts of the world, such as Paris, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Argentina. After a few years, he left Robert Lewis and took an opportunity in Albany, NY where he owned and operated his own diner and nightclub. After Albany, he moved his family to Ocean Township, NJ where he continued his love and passion for manufacturing and design. Gust achieved the American dream by opening up a factory, creating his own line in the leather industry, PARK V. After 20 years in business, Gust retired PARK V. Two years into retirement, his dedicated work ethic landed him as a chef at Wegmans in Ocean Township, NJ for eight years until finally committing to full retirement.
Some of Gust’s professional achievements include, two of his own private labels, PARK V and Pierre Simone. In 1978 Gust won a Men's Apparel award for designer of the year in the leather industry. He attended FIT, New York City, where he received a degree in pattern making as well as teaching fashion design at the school in the evenings. Gust also made leather vests for the Blue Knights of northern NJ and police jackets for several municipalities in New Jersey, including the NJ State Troopers.
Gust had a work ethic like no other, running circles around people half his age and lived his life to the fullest. Gust loved having family gatherings at his home and entertaining almost every holiday. He was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather (papou). He loved people and people loved him, but most importantly, he loved God.
Gust became the Patriarch of the Kostidakis family after the passing of his father. His biggest trait was his abundant love for everyone. His adoration for his children and grandchildren encompassed his world and was a father to all who knew him. His family and friends will never forget his love, respect, compassion, empathy and the authenticity of his soul.
Gust is survived by his sons, Peter Kostidakis of Eatontown, NJ and Semos (Lisa) Kostidakis of Wall, NJ and daughter Angie Kostidakis-Garofalo of Wall, NJ. Four Grandchildren Marika, Alex, Chloe and Ava. Sisters Athena Hadjimarkos of Ocean Township, Joanne (Chris) Cosmas of Ocean, NJ, Effie Gardner of Ari and Maraki (George) Epitropakis of West Caldwell. Two Brothers Perry (Litsa) Kostidakis of Bloomfield, NJ and John (Magda) Kostidakis of Chios, Greece. He is also survived by 19 nieces and nephews, and several godchildren. Gus is predeceased by his wife, Marika Kostidakis, his parents Semos and Angela Kostidakis.
The viewing for family and friends will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1033 West Park Avenue, Ocean Twp, NJ on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM with the church service immediately following. Burial will follow at St. George Cemetery in Neptune, NJ. In Lieu of Flowers donations in his memory can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. https:/lls.org. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.