Elias Anthony Harraka

Elias Anthony Harraka, age 79, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Elias, also known as Lou, grew up with his sister Carol in Paterson as the children of Anthony and Antoinette Harraka. After graduating high school, Lou enrolled at Rutgers University and around the same time started what would become a lifelong career at Dorfman Abrams Music. Beginning in a modest position, his loyalty, dedication and talent would eventually earn him a partnership at the firm.

Elias met his future wife, Antoinette, one fateful night and knew right away that she was the girl for him. Shortly after meeting Antoinette, his education at Rutgers was unexpectedly interrupted when he was drafted by the United States Army for the Vietnam War. Lou’s accounting knowledge proved valuable to the Army, leading to a stateside assignment at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he also served in the Military Police Division. After completing his military service, Lou went back to Rutgers University to complete his degree in accounting.

After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in accounting and earning his CPA certification, Antoinette and Elias were married in July 1968. The newlyweds celebrated their marriage with a honeymoon in Paradise Island, Bahamas, before returning home to Paterson. Their family started to grow with the birth of their first son, Louis. As their family grew, Lou and Antoinette moved to Wayne, NJ where they were soon blessed with two more children: Renee and Brian.

Elias will be remembered for his kind and loyal heart. His selfless nature extended beyond his family to strangers in need, a true testament to his generous spirit. While he loved to support his favorite sports teams (the New York Jets and Yankees), his greatest passion was supporting his family. He never missed an opportunity to attend his children’s and his grandchildren’s sporting events with his proud presence a constant on the sidelines. His love for travel was another constant in his life. He loved to share in that joy with his family which led to 40 years of family Aruba vacations. There he enjoyed the salty sea air, warm beaches and of course the restaurants and casinos the island had to offer.

Elias is survived by his wife Antoinette, his sister Carol Kalkan and her spouse Robert, his 3 children: Louis Harraka and his spouse Anju, Renee Kates and her spouse Joseph, and Brian Harraka and his spouse Allison; his 3 nieces: Donna, Dora, and Jennifer; and his 5 grandkids: Anjeli, Brandon, Matthew, Nicole, and Nicholas.

Elias is predeceased by his parents Anthony and Antoinette Harraka.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Tunnel to Tower’s Foundation would be greatly appreciated.