Risto Nikolovski

Risto Nikolovski, 80, of Clifton, N.J., passed away on June 28, 2022. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 6-9 p.m. at Shook's Cedar Grove Funeral Home, 486 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove, N.J. The funeral service will be on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 9 a.m. at Ss. Kiril and Metodij Macedonian Orthodox Church, 1050 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove, N.J. Kindly meet directly at the Church for the service. Burial will follow at East Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clifton, N.J. Memories and condolences may be shared at shookscedargrove.com.
Born in Bitola, Macedonia to Boris and Cveta Nikolovski, Risto came to America in 1964, along with a group of other young Macedonian men. Northern New Jersey is where they would start their new lives and together would go on to create the foundation for the large Macedonian community in the area today. He was a parishioner of Sts. Kiril and Metodij Macedonian Orthodox Church, Cedar Grove. Like others, without even knowing the language, Risto started working manual labor jobs, becoming skilled in all phases of construction. These skills would help him for the rest of his life. But his determination would take him even further - he would go on to secure valuable real estate in Jersey City and then a hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This was a man who was not afraid of any challenge.
While he was very happy building, tearing down old and building new again - Risto still managed to enjoy other aspects of life, such as playing soccer. He even created and operated the Macedonian Soccer Club in Clifton with his partners. But this was a man with many more talents that extended beyond the sports field or job site.
Risto loved music - especially singing! He loved to practice with his father-in-law and would perform in bands at various functions. His father, Boris, was also an excellent musician. He was writing songs and singing into his very last days.
In 1970, he fulfilled his dream of bringing his entire family to America. With the help of his family and pursuing his dreams he was able to convert houses into comfortable homes for all. In 1971, his daughter was born. He would sit very still and look at her with eyes filled with love and awe. This was a man who loved his family.
Throughout his life he was always active. To say he was a workaholic is an understatement. One day, a sister-in-law asked if he could build a wall when he had some extra time. The next day she woke to the sound of banging - he found the time. This was a relentless worker and a man of action.
Musician, builder, poet, singer, actor and more This was a man with many layers. He loved, was loved, and will be extremely missed. Eternal Memory.
Risto Nikolovski is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughter, Anastasia Nikolovski; grandchildren, Angelika and Zoya; sister, Trajanka; nephew, Blagoja; nieces, Zivka and Snezana; along with a large, loving extended family.