Funeral services took place May 1 at Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church, Jersey City, for Antonia Bakirtzis, 86. She passed away peacefully April 27, surrounded by her family. Antonia was born in Antissa, Greece and came to the United States in 1966, settling in Jersey City. It was there that she and her husband Fotios would begin their hot dog vending business that would span 20 years of food service to their community. From 1966 to 1986, two hot dog stands were owned and operated at the location of St. Peter’s University in Jersey City.
Living and working in the same location afforded Antonia the opportunity to become an active and generous member of her business community, specifically for St. Peter’s, having developed a special fondness for it during her many years of service there. Antonia was also a long time and faithful member of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society of her church. In addition to her greatest passion, which was spending time with her grandchildren, Antonia also loved to cook, bake and entertain for her family and friends.
Antonia was predeceased by her husband, Fotios Bakirtzis; mother of Evangelos Bakirtzis, Angela Alburtus and Nicholas Bakirtzis; grandmother of Nicole and Angelica Bakirtzis, Michael, Antonia and Jaclyn Alburtus, Frankie, Nicholas and Erika Bakirtzis; mother in law of Michael Alburtus, Janet and Stella Bakirtzis; sister of the late Mary, Panogiota and Vasiliki. Services arranged by the McLaughlin Funeral Home, Jersey City.