Gabriel Kontos

Gabriel "Gabe" Kontos, 76, of Monroe, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his residence on August 23, 2025.

Born on April 19, 1949, in the port city of Piraeus, Greece to the late Dimitrios and Filio Kontogiannakopoulos, Gabe was raised amid the culture and traditions of his home country before immigrating to the United States in 1967. He began his new life with a shortened last name in Jersey City, living with his oldest sister Kiki and completing his high school diploma at Dickinson High School. It was during this time, while working at Liss Drug Store in Journal Square, that he met his beloved wife and lifelong partner, Eileen (Chaneski). The two were married in 1974 and soon after purchased a home in Iselin, NJ, and later Avenel, NJ, where they would raise their two children Lisa and Jim.

Gabe continued his education at Devry University, where he earned a certificate in electronics technology. He began a professional career as a field service technician at Microdata. Gabe remained with the company through its transitions to Novadine, McDonnell Douglas, and finally Boeing, while pursuing his true passion of music, playing in Greek bands on nights and weekends.

A self-taught Greek musician, he mastered the bouzouki and performed professionally for countless celebrations - weddings, baptisms, Greek festivals - and was proud to make two guest appearances on "Emeril Live" during its themed Greek cuisine episodes. His musical journey took him not only across the United States, but also back to Greece, Canada, and South America. He continued to compose, arrange, and digitally catalog his music for many years. He played professionally until 2022.

Gabe was also a gardener, known for cultivating gardens at his homes in Iselin, Avenel, and later, during his retirement, in Spring Hill, Florida. He would grow tomatoes, vegetables, and grape leaves for his family and loved ones. He was also a fisherman, always happiest with a line in the water.

Gabe is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Eileen Kontos, their daughter and son-in-law: Lisa and Dan Bocchino, and their son and daughter-in-law: Jim and Lora Kontos. He is also survived by three older siblings Athanasia "Soula" Kontogiannakopoulou, Michalis "Mike" Kontogiannakopoulos, and Elias "Louie" Kontogiannakopoulos, and predeceased by his oldest sister Angelica "Kiki" Alexander. Gabe is also survived by his five grandchildren Samuel, Isabelle, Lily, Ella, and Gabriel. Toward the end of his life, Gabe was also graced by the companionship and daily assistance of Roel Calderon, a home health care aide.

Memorial services will be private for close family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, and if the spirit moves you, donations can be made to VNA - Visiting Nurse Association at https://vnahg.org/giving/, a nonprofit organization that provided much needed support to Gabe and his family over the past few years.