Johnny Driza Obituary
In Lieu of Flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
BBR Foundation
-or-
Active Minds
Visitation:
Thursday, February 12, 2026
2-4 & 6-8 PM
Friday, February 13, 2026
3-8 PM
Papavero Funeral Home
72-27 Grand Avenue
Maspeth, NY 11378
Tel: (718)651-3535
Funeral Service:
Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10 AM
Papavero Funeral Home
72-27 Grand Avenue
Maspeth, NY 11378
Tel: (718)651-3535
Interment:
Mount Olivet Cemetery
65-40 Grand Avenue
Maspeth, NY 11378
Tel: (718)326-1777
Funeral Luncheon to follow:
Villa Erasmo Restaurant
69-61 Juniper Blvd S
Middle Village, NY 11379
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ami Melek Fetishaj
February 16, 2026
Johnny, you were my cousin, but in my heart you were my brother. What we had was rare a bond I know no one could ever replace. I´m still so mad that we won´t get to have our monthly FaceTime calls anymore. That was our thing. And this photo means so much to me, because it reminds me of how you were always there for me
I´ll never forget the day you picked me up. And the last time you were in Albania you were so strong. We went out just because I wanted a baguette with prosciutto, and without hesitation you came with me. Such a small, simple moment but it meant everything to me.
You were the funniest person ever. Your jokes, your laugh, the way you could turn any moment into something lighter. You always reminded me of Baba Buli. And now, somehow, both of my favorite people are not in this world anymore. That hurts in a way I can´t even explain.
I will never forget the last hug we shared. Not just that one but every hug, every laugh, every memory. I replay them in my head over and over.
You were so sweet. So thoughtful. Truly one of the best souls in this world. I am deeply heartbroken.
But I believe you´re an angel now. I believe you´re watching over me. I carry you with me in everything I do. I just hope you´re in a better place, at peace.
I love you forever.
Your Cousin Ami
DANIELA KANINA
February 15, 2026
R.I.P shpirti yt I bardhe. Do te mbaj mend ashtu te qeshur, te embel dhe te zgjuar. Love,Daniela.
Michael Zivanov
February 14, 2026
It´s such a shock and complete tragedy to see someone who was such a strong part of your childhood and even up to early adulthood go so quickly and abruptly. I will never forget the group of close friends (Bartek, Jakub, and Jurgen) who were all a huge part of each other´s lives up until this moment. Johnny will always be remembered as a hilarious, just overall kind and warm-hearted person.
I will never forget the precious moments we had at Oval park which still feel like they were yesterday. You were one of the best friends a friend can ask for and the only regret I have is not knowing the truth of what you were going through so I can be there more for you throughout these difficult times.
Depression is a tricky thing and it can affect anyone, in ways we can never imagine. Wishing much strength to the Driza family during these devastating times!
-Michael
Nick Zivanov
February 14, 2026
Johnny was a warm soul, good natured person and a great friend. He always made me laugh playing basketball and would brighten the day. I know Johnny from my 20s growing up with my younger brother Mike they were close friends. I will never forget when you befriended us for the first time in Glendale oval neighborhood Park. We developed that brotherly connection , playing basketball, talking about the NBA, Pokemon , video games, grabbing some good pizza together with friends.
It hits me very hard breaks my heart that you are gone like this. Life is hard. It's like some bad dream. I am very saddened that we moved in 2014 to NJ from Ridgewood Queens, because we didn't get to connect as much anymore , and life has slowly distanced us sadly.
My last messages when we spoke were to be always be strong , regardless of adversity and societal life challenges/pressures faced. . Coming to USA as first generation immigrant I had faced many challenges. I wish I gotten a chance to see you again my friend !! To help in any way possible...
You will always be missed Johnny!! I wish your family strong support! healing , and may God bless your soul in heaven above !!
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William Manolopoulos
February 13, 2026
Heart Breaking. I watched Johnny and My son (JT) go to school, play basketball together and grow up to be young men. Johnny was a very SMART young man, Funny and I loved the interaction and friendship between him and My son and the group of friends at St. Matthias.
At St.Matthias they were a great group of friends. Johnny was loved and admired by his friends.
Johnny left us too soon.
Keis Fetishaj
February 13, 2026
I can´t believe it, Johnny - my only brother in spirit, my soul. How could God take you at such a young age? You will never be forgotten for everything you taught me in this life, for all the laughter we shared, and for every precious moment we spent together. Words will never be enough, I could write forever and still not say it all. All I can say is may God give strength to our family, especially to your parents, Skender ,my aunt Genta, and to your sister Eden, who were by your side every moment.
Rest in peace, my dear cousin. You will live in my heart forever. and your spirit will always be with us.
Arian Fetishaj
February 13, 2026
You never hurt anyone, Johnny. You were loved by all. You shared kindness, smiles, and positivity wherever you went. You left this world far too soon, and your absence will be deeply felt. May God grant strength to all of us, and especially to Genta, Skender, and Eden, who stood by your side through every difficult moment.
Rest in peace, your pure soul will never be forgotten Johnny Driza.
Joy D
February 12, 2026
Tomas Ortega
February 12, 2026
It´s always hard dealing with death but it is especially harder when it is someone you grew up with from childhood. Growing up with Johnny in St Matthias we always had a brotherly relationship ups and downs but at the end of the day it was all love. We all did in St. Matthias and I cherished that with all of my classmates. I moved away in High school and Johnny would be one of the few to remain in touch with me. Fitting the last words I got from him were " Happy Birthday, Hope everything is alright" I wish we spoke more and I got to spend some more time with him as the years went on. Look over us bro. Rest in peace
Justin Munoz
February 12, 2026
I remember going to oval & playing basketball with Johnny in St.matthias as a kid I never would once hear the news of johnny going away Rip to Johnny gone never forgotten
Guy Caraturo
February 12, 2026
Divine Murphy, you said it all. As his former teacher, Johnny was funny and amazing.
Divine Murphy
February 12, 2026
A friend, a teammate, a competitor, a compassionate human being and gone too soon. Gone way too soon and left so much behind. We´ll miss you my friend.
Victoria Agron
February 12, 2026
Very sorry for the passing of our former student Johnny Driza. May the Lord give him comfort. Such a handsome young intelligent young man. My condolences to his family.
Dennis Murphy
February 12, 2026
Dori Dhonato
February 12, 2026
Rest in peace beautiful soul. Shpresoj te te kete gjetur shpirti qetesi. Your smile will live forever. Love Dori & kristi
Guy Caraturo
February 12, 2026
This is very sad news. I am so sorry for the loss of Johnny Driza. As his former teacher, I can remember his laughs and jokes in class. Johnny was an amazing Math student and I could always rely on him for help. Johnny will be missed. This has really hit me hard. My prayers are with the family during this time. Heaven has received an amazing man.
Iro Pantazi
February 11, 2026
Dear Genta, Skender and Eden,
Johnny will be missed by so many, but we know the loss is greatest for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate this difficult time. May you find peace in the beautiful memories you shared together.
George & Iro
Viola
February 11, 2026
E dashur Genta,me shume hidherim mora vesh nga Dori, Shume ngushellime per humbjen e djalit, zoti te dhente force per ta perballuar, viola
Anila Capasso
February 11, 2026
Ngushellime gjithe familjareve, te dashurve e shoqerise se Johnny’t per kete humbje kaq te madhe e te parakoheshme. Qofsh i Xhenetit o shpirt i bukur. Kujtimet e bukura qe keni me Johnny’n qofshin te paharruara.
Nicholas Rodriguez
February 11, 2026
Sending love and prayers to everyone. My deepest condolences.
Chrissy Goris
February 11, 2026
I am so unbelievably sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and heart. May God comfort you in this difficult time.
Anthony
February 11, 2026
I remember playing basketball with you at the park everyday just about. Rest in peace my friend.
ANILA PANTAZI
February 11, 2026
May you rest is peace, beautiful soul.
Ajsela Lama
February 11, 2026
Johnny zemra ime, Qofsh i Xhenetit o drite, o shpirti Ajseles! I love you ashtu sic me thoje ti "i love you Ajsela" kudo qe me degjoje emrin.Zoti te paste ne krahet e tij o bir i bukur!
John Manolopoulos
February 10, 2026
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72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378
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