Obituary of Tasos Pentikis

Tasos Pentikis of Randolph, NJ, died peacefully in the morning of April 6, 2023, a day full of sunshine and God’s Grace.

Tasos was predeceased by his loving wife, Grace Pentikis (Morogeorges), who he devotedly cared for during a lengthy illness until her death in 2005. He was also predeceased by his stepson, Terry Rigos, in 2011. He is survived by his son, Dean Pentikis of Rumson, NJ, his daughter-in-law Evelyn, and their children Luke Anastasios and Alec Dionysus. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Irene and her husband Jimmy Kokenos of Shelton, CT; their children, Peter Kokenos and his wife Lara of Easton, CT and their three children; Christina and her husband Dr. Ignatius Komninakas of Easton, CT and their three children; Dennis Kokenos and his wife Stephanie of Newtown, CT and their three children; his stepdaughter-in-law JoAnne Rigos of Roanoke, VA and her children Stephen Rigos and his wife Megan of Ellicott City, MD and their daughter; Stephanie Browning and her husband Matthew of Troutville, VA and their three children.

Tasos was born in Eratini, Greece on February 2, 1937 to Haralambos and Violetta Pentikis. He is survived by one sister who resides in Eratini, Greece. He is predeceased by his three brothers. He also has numerous nieces and extended family residing in Greece who he spoke fondly of and loved very much.

After serving in the Greek military, he joined the merchant marines and immigrated to America in the mid-1960’s. He met his wife, Grace, in Dover, NJ. They married on May 28, 1966 and enjoyed a long and loving marriage. He attended St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Randolph, NJ where he and Grace were active members. Like most Greek immigrants, he was an entrepreneur. Over the years he owned and operated Ernie’s Liquors and then Tasos’ Coffee Shop in Mendham, NJ until he became a machinist at Howmet Engine Systems in Dover, NJ. Upon retirement he began working at Randolph YMCA where he made many new friends and stayed in shape by walking on the treadmill and lifting weights. He loved socializing at the YMCA and at local diners where he practiced his jokes. In 2017, he moved to Monmouth County to be closer to his son and grandsons, Luke and Alec, who he called his “Levendis” (handsome and gallant men). He very much enjoyed cheering for them at their many soccer games over the years.

“Papou” was known for his gentle kindness, good nature, and humor. He loved wearing plaid shirts, tan baseball hats, and was adept at one liners–often joking about getting a haircut even though he was bald. He loved celebrating holidays and visits with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, on a regular basis.

He will be truly missed.

Visitation 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, Randolph. A Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM also at the church.

Interment : Locust Hill Cemetery, Dover.

 In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his memory to: Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 1447 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph NJ 07869, or website: https://www.standrewgonj.org/ and choose PayPal / online WeShare or via Abundant App