Spiro Stilianessis

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Spiro Stilianessis, age 93, of Wayne, NJ.

Spiro passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 while receiving the loving care of his wife and beloved Pomeranian. He was born and raised on the island of Kefalonia, Greece and was one of nine children to Panayotis and Amalia Stilianessis. Spiro's journey through life took an unusual path from the very start. At the age of six he began working for his family on their lands and tending to the herds. As the years unfolded, his ambition to build a better life for himself and his family led him to working as a server in the port of Piraeus, and later as a chef on merchant marine vessels. He spent ten years on the ships, traveling the globe extensively and exposing himself to many different cultures.

Despite leaving school at age six, Spiro displayed an extraordinary desire to progress despite his lack of formal education, teaching himself to read and write fluently in Greek. In 1959, Spiro, in search of a better life and the “American Dream,” jumped ship, immigrating to the United States. Upon arriving in America, he settled in New York City. After a short time, Spiro moved across the Hudson River to the town of Bayonne where he realized his entrepreneurial dreams by founding Spiro’s Lunch Truck which he owned and operated for many years. In 1978, Spiro expanded his entrepreneurial vision, by establishing with his brother Jerry, and sister Lily, the King George Diner in Wayne, NJ. Spiro and his brother Jerry devoted their lives to operating the diner, creating a landmark in the community, and producing a welcoming atmosphere cherished by their customers. Spiro and his brother treasured and nurtured their business for more than three decades until selling the diner in 2010.

In April of 1973, Spiro traveled to Athens, Greece with his two children Fran and Peter from a previous marriage and was introduced, by family and friends, to Yiota Miaritis, a lovely woman raised in the mountains of central Greece. As fate would have it, the two instantly connected, however, only three days after being introduced, Spiro and his children had to return to the United States leaving his newfound love behind. Over the next several months, Spiro wrote nearly one hundred letters to Yiota. In 1974, Yiota followed Spiro to the US and on October 13, 1974, the two exchanged wedding vows and became husband and wife at Evangelismos Greek Orthodox church in Jersey City, NJ.      

After getting married, the newlyweds lived in Bayonne for several years. While residing there, the couple welcomed the birth of their son, George, and their 2nd son Jerry was born soon after they moved to Wayne Township, where they raised the boys and have lived ever since. Spiro’s joy and purpose were his work. From a young age, Spiro exemplified an exceptional work ethic. He demonstrated unwavering diligence and dedication in everything he did, which was admired by many that knew him.  

When Spiro did have spare time, he enjoyed reading, watching Greek television shows, and movies, particularly Westerns. He also took great pleasure in gardening and landscaping his property. Aside from all of Spiro’s talents, hobbies, and interests, his greatest passion in life was for his family. Nothing in the world meant more to Spiro than providing for and spending time with his wife, his children, and his precious Pomeranians, Puffy and Jack, who truly were his best friends. Spiro and Yiota cherished nearly fifty years of loving and loyal marriage together. Spiro was not only devoted to his family, but also to his Greek Orthodox Faith. He and his family were members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Clifton, NJ for decades.

In 1997, after working 7 days a week for nearly his entire professional life, Spiro experienced an acute health challenge resulting in a triple bypass heart surgery. This led to the realization that his personal health and well-being needed attention, so he began summering in Greece for a few months a year. Following his retirement, he and his wife would spend even more time at their home in Lagonissi, Greece where they created many beautiful memories with friends and family.

Spiro was a devoted husband and father that loved his family deeply. He had an infectious personality and could get everyone around him laughing with his often off-color humor. He was a special person who touched the lives of so many around him. He will be sincerely missed by his friends, family, and his community.

Spiro is survived by his wife Yiota Stilianessis of Wayne, NJ, his son George Stilianessis and his wife Michelle of Los Angeles, CA and his son Jerry Stilianessis and his wife Sophie of Topanga, CA, one daughter Fran Stilianessis of Alberta, Canada, one brother Jerry Stilianessis and his wife Mary-Ellen of North Haledon, NJ, two sisters; Nikki Cogdell of Deerfield Beach, FL, and Cornelia Pefani of Athens, Greece, four grandchildren; Lucas Roland, Nick Roland, Spyridon Stilianessis, and Gia Marie Stilianessis. He is also survived by his wife’s family whom he truly loved and called his own, and by his precious Pomeranian Jack. He was predeceased by his son Peter Stilianessis (2008), his siblings; Phillipo Stilianessis, Voula Tarazi, Maria Oster, Dimitri Stilianessis, and Lily Markham; and his Pomeranian Puffy.