Eleftherios Vlahakis

Lefteri was 93 when he passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 24, 2025, in Naples, Florida.
Lefteri Vlahakis was born in Piraeus, Greece, to Evangelos and Katherine Vlahakis. At the young age of 10, during the German occupation of Greece during World War II, Lefteri endured the hardships of life with shortages of food and water. These early struggles shaped his character, courage, and strength that would define the rest of his life.
As a young man, Lefteri served in the Greek Navy and later in the Merchant Marines before immigrating to the United States. Driven by a dream to build a better future, he settled in Jersey City, New Jersey, where his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit led him from operating a humble, yet very successful lunch truck stationed at the Colgate-Palmolive factory, to owning Wendy's Luncheonette in Journal Square. His success in business allowed him to fulfill his greatest dream: providing a home and future for his beloved family.
For 35 years, Lefteri was a devoted husband to Mary Vlahakis, who predeceased him in 1994. He was a loving father to three children: son Evangelos Vlahakis, wife Sandra; daughters Catherine Kuehn, and Paula Mavridis, husband Tony. He was also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Alexander and Mia Vlahakis; Christopher and Eleftheria Kuehn; and Maryssa and Nickolas Mavridis-each of whom carries forward a piece of his love and legacy.
He was cherished by all who knew him. With his handlebar moustache, sharp wit and warm laugh, he had a unique way of making everyone feel like family. Whether sharing stories with his cherished "Men's Group"-his beloved parea-or delighting friends with his homemade cannoli and desserts, he brought light and joy to every gathering.
He was predeceased by his brothers Stelios and Christos, and his sister Magda.
A Funeral Ceremony will be offered on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 10:00 am at Ss. Nicholas, Constantine Church, 80 Laurel Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068. Visiting will begin at 9:00 am in the church. Lefteri will be laid to rest at Restland Memorial Park in East Hanover, New Jersey, beside his beloved wife, Mary. Funeral Services are entrusted to Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, Roseland, NJ, shookfarmer.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Dallas, Texas or St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church in Naples, FL- where he was surrounded by close friendships at both churches.
Lefteri Vlahakis lived a life marked by humility, perseverance, and love-a true embodiment of the American dream and the enduring beauty of Greek tradition.
May his memory be eternal.