Van Paftinos
Died: Aug 24, 2017
Vagios “Van” Paftinos, 84, of Hackettstown, NJ passed away peacefully with his wife and
children by his side on August 24, 2017. Van was a well-respected and generous man who will be sorely missed by his family and all that knew him. Van was born on October 10, 1932 in Romanou, Lemnos, Greece to the late Panayiotis and Androniki Paftinos. Van came to the United States, or as he liked to refer to it, “the best country in the world”, owing his boat fare to his sister at age 18. He served in the US Army, stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska from 1955 to 1957 as a tank mechanic. After his honorable discharge, he worked as a dishwasher and whatever other work he could find until he met someone that was willing to teach him the construction trade. That started a fire in him that was never extinguished. He saved every penny he earned to buy a Stewart’s Root Beer in Bloomfield, NJ. He used the money earned from Stewart’s to fuel his love for construction and real estate. He was able to purchase and renovate a couple of multifamily homes before deciding to go back to Greece in 1968 for vacation. He married Ann Tsanakos in January 1969 and from there, they formed a dynamic partnership that lasted 48 years. Together, Van and Ann instilled and passed along a strong work ethic and values to their children. Van always said to his children that people who work hard always get rewarded. Van heard about Leo’s in this little town of Hackettstown far out in the country from a customer of Stewart’s. He came and scoped it out and thought it would be the perfect place to raise his family and pursue his love of construction so he sold everything he owned and came to Hackettstown. While Ann ran Leo’s, Van would buy property, unbeknownst to her, and plot his next project. He had great respect for his community and especially the elderly. His desire to help the elderly is the reason that most of his buildings are age-restricted for purposes of making a nice living environment for them. Van’s signature was a classic brick building because Van always wanted the best and brick was the strongest. Van passed his love of construction to his children, Peter and Christina, who strive to continue his legacy. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ann Paftinos, his son, Peter Paftinos and his wife Linda; his daughter, Jane Paftinos, and her husband, Demetrios; his daughter, Christina, and her husband, Anastasios; and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, John Paftinos, and his many nieces and nephews. Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday, August 28, 2017 from 4-8 at Cochran’s Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Funeral service will take place at 11am on August 29, 2017 at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church,1447 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph, NJ 07869 in honor of Van Paftinos.
Condolences:
Betty Poyer
#47
July 2nd, 2019 12:42 pm
One of the most comforting is the promise that life is continuous;
our time on earth is just one aspect of a soul’s journey of growth and transformation through time.
Not only will we meet our loved one again beyond the veil we know as physical death, but our relationship with them will continue as well.
One of the greatest gifts we can give to someone who has passed on is to pray for them.
And most importantly, to pray that they will recognize that they have moved on from earthly life,
and now have the opportunity to continue their soul development in a different way.
The One's we love on the other side are actually as close to us as our thoughts, and we can be most helpful to those individuals by focusing on the happy, joyful times together, and releasing – as much as we can – the sadness and grief we feel at their passing.
Ron & Barbara Shaw
#46
August 31st, 2017 7:54 pm
Dear Family, We were so sorry to hear of Van's passing. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Van was so kind and helpful in getting a place for Ron's father. We will never forget his concern & kindness shown to him. Van was a very special person. Our thoughts & prayers are with all the family. God Bless . Ron & Barbara Shaw
Joe and Pat Bristow
#45
August 29th, 2017 8:58 am
Our condolences to the Paftinos family who have contributed so much to "Our Town" -- particularly in providing superior housing for our "seniors".
A "remarkable family" and a reminder and wonderful example how our immigrant families have contributed so much to our community and Nation.
Rest in peace, Van, and may God bless the entire Paftinos family.
karen arnold
#44
August 28th, 2017 11:20 pm
Dear Ann and family, Deepest condolences on the passing of Van. His buildings in Hackettstown were always such improvements and helped many people who needed housing. He was very kind when I needed senior housing for my mother. His work ethic was amazing. I so enjoyed seeing Ann and her family at Leo's . May he rest in peace.
Sarah Binns
#43
August 28th, 2017 8:18 pm
Dear sweet Ann and family sending my love ,thoughts ,and prayers to you all. So sorry for your loss. I will never forget all the good times with Van and you Ann. All my love always.
Greszczak Family...
#42
August 28th, 2017 8:18 pm
Deepest sympathies to Ann and her entire family... Van is and was a Hackettstown Icon respected by many...
Nancy Eick-Mehrbach
#41
August 28th, 2017 5:12 pm
My deepest sympathy to you Ann and your family. Hackettstown was blessed when Van decided to make this his home!
Gail Culp Brislin
#40
August 28th, 2017 4:42 pm
Ann and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Van's passing. Prayers go out to all of you.
CHICK DIMICELI
#39
August 28th, 2017 2:47 pm
My condolences to ANN and the family.Van was a good friend for many years. He did so much for the town.He was very humble and quiet man.But he loved his family so much.And he was a true person. He will be missed. God Bless you old friend
Sherri Lebo
#38
August 28th, 2017 12:39 pm
Very sorry to hear about Van's passing. Sending much love to the family! Please give mom an extra hug for me!!!
Keith DeTombeur
#37
August 28th, 2017 12:21 pm
I am deeply saddened by the news of Van's passing.
Van epitomize what the value of hard work and sacrifice was all about.
I had many conversations with Van. He was always an inspiration to all.
Van would love to talk about land investments with me.
Van was a true mentor to me. I am profoundly sadden. My Heart felt condolence to the family.
Peter Paftinos
#36
August 28th, 2017 12:03 pm
Uncle Van, Rest in Peace, Will always remember that smile and kindness you showed me as I was growing up.
Miss You Theo Van, Your Nephew, Peter...
Harry Neinstedt
#35
August 28th, 2017 9:53 am
Our sincere condolences to the extended Paftino's family on their loss of a truly great man! His legacy will live on through Christina, Peter and Jane.
Maureen & Bill Boer
#34
August 28th, 2017 9:18 am
Ann and family - our sincere condolences on the passing of Van. He was a truly wonderful and generous man. He was so good to my mother when she lived on Center Street. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to you all.
Larry Schumacher
#33
August 28th, 2017 8:08 am
I've have missed seeing Van for most of this past year and am saddened by his passing. My condolences to Ann, Jane, Christina, Peter and the entire family at this sad time. I count my knowing Van as a great blessing in my life.
Nicol Tillou
#32
August 28th, 2017 7:37 am
Such a kind man! A true EARTH ANGEL! May is SMILE go on in your hearts and may the peace, love and joy he shared go on and on and on.
Linda Baylor
#31
August 28th, 2017 7:06 am
I will miss him dearly. I loved when he would stop into the Assessor's Office in town to just say hello. Always a gift to me for Christmas. Sorry for your loss to the entire family.
Bruce & Barbara Smith
#30
August 28th, 2017 7:02 am
Very saddened to hear of Van's passing. Our sincere condolences to the family. Van was a very hard working and generous man. His legacy will live on with us all.
Dianna and Mearle Dorlon
#29
August 27th, 2017 11:53 pm
Dear Ann and Family, we are so sorry to hear of Van's passing. We are honored to have known such a fine, humble, but great man. During his lifetime he exhibited qualities of courage, honor and respect for all those he came into contact with. He never forgot to smile and extend a greeting. The many fine buildings he constructed throughout the town were built with the greatest care. He leaves a wonderful legacy in his work, and his fine family. Our hearts go out to his beloved Ann. Love to all, Dianna and Mearle Dorlon.
Frank and Sonja Harchar
#28
August 27th, 2017 9:06 pm
So sorry to hear of Van'so passing, he was a great guy, took good care of Frank'so mother. Our condolences to your entire family.
Robert Carpenter
#27
August 27th, 2017 5:54 pm
My heartfelt condolences to the Paftinos family. I only knew Van for a short period of time. What a wonderful, hardworking, fair man. It was my pleasure to know & work for him. He will be greatly missed. Godspeed Van.
Dr Barton Kaufman and Kathy
#26
August 27th, 2017 4:21 pm
Dear Ann and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of such a great man. He was truly a very devoted husband and father. He was a man who enjoyed his work and has left Hackettstown with many beautiful accomplishments. We are so very glad to have known such a wonderful man and his caring family.
May he now rest in peace knowing that his family will continue his legacy.
SESI Consulting Engineers
#25
August 27th, 2017 12:19 pm
To the Paftinos family we express our heartfelt condolences and offer our prayers for your family in this time of your loss penex. Van will be missed by all whom he touched in the business community.
Ann & Family
#24
August 27th, 2017 12:11 pm
Dear Ann & Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all in the passing of your beloved Van. I fondly remember Ann & Van walking hand in hand many of nights, as he was able. Such care and love between you all, is something to hold onto in the days ahead. I pray for Van's peace and strength for the days ahead. Fondly Vicky & Fran & Larry Sklenar.
Bill Hannigan
#23
August 27th, 2017 11:21 am
To Ann & family You have our deepest condolences in the passing of your husband & father. Through his children he will live for ever. He & Ann instilled a character in their children that is so missed in this day. May God be with you & Bless You & know that Van will always be there to watch over you.
Bill & Kathy hannigan
Bruce & Carole Lanterman
#22
August 27th, 2017 10:26 am
Our condolences to Van's family. You have been wonderful for the village of Hackettstown. Van's hard work and knowledge provided homes for so many, especially seniors.
Occasionally I sought Van's advice regarding contruction and our 2 family on Franklin St.
We now are retired and live in Punta Gorda, Florida. We will always have good memories of the Paftinos and wish we could still get cheese steaks from Leo's.
Love,
Bruce, Carole & Eric
Eleanor & Kevin McCann
#21
August 27th, 2017 10:18 am
Van was a generous loyal wonderful man & human being & he will be missed
Louise & CarlFolz
#20
August 27th, 2017 10:06 am
To the Paftinos Family, please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of your husband and father Van Paftinos. We were very fortunate to have known him and the family. As residents of one of the Paftinos family properties for over 10 years we have firsthand knowledge of all the benefits to have the Paftinos family as our landlord. Any previous worries or opinions of what it means to be in a tenant/landlord situation, were quickly dispelled after having lived here. A point for the family to consider is knowing how many people and families have been touched by this man's accomplishments and achievements. May he rest in peace.
Mike Gibbs
#19
August 27th, 2017 7:46 am
To Ann, Jane, Pete, Chris
My heartfelt condolences to you and your entire families on the loss of Van. I will carry many memories of him, our conversations and how he treated my daughter Brandi when she was born and growing up. He always went out of his way to say hello. RIP Van!
Lew/Gail Richards and Family
#18
August 27th, 2017 7:44 am
ANN AND FAMILY--SO SORRY TO READ OF THE PASSING OF VAN--HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND ALWAYS VERY FRIENDLY--WE HAVE PRAYED THAT GOD WILL BLESS THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME--ANN YOU AND THE FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERSS
Timothy Wallace
#17
August 27th, 2017 7:43 am
I had the privilege to meet Van back in the 1970's when he first came to town and I was working for Uncle Milt at William's & Hibler. To say he was hardworking was an understatement, also driving the same truck for years, patching it where it wore out! The many apartment buildings and commercial buildings he built around town are a testimony to that hard work. And on a Saturday afternoon you could stop in Leo's and he would personally cook your burger. May the Paftinos family be comforted during this time of loss. Tim and Theresa Wallace
Lew/Gail Richards and Family
#16
August 27th, 2017 7:42 am
ANN AND FAMILY--SO SORRY TO READ OF THE PASSING OF VAN--HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND ALWAYS VERY FRIENDLY--WE HAVE PRAYED THAT GOD WILL BLESS THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME--ANN YOU AND THE FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERSS
Jill Waller
#15
August 27th, 2017 7:03 am
Van was such a good friend to my father-in-law while he lived in his apartments across from the blue mist diner. They spent many an afternoon talking and sharing. He cried for my father-in-law when he passed. A good man that will be missed by everyone that he touched.
Tammy and Ardys Culp
#14
August 26th, 2017 11:50 pm
Our sincere condolences to the Paftinos family for your loss..
Bill, Angela & Kelly Reed & the Reed and Pinto Families
#13
August 26th, 2017 9:20 pm
Ann & Family
We are so saddened to hear about Van. When Angela's family came to town you and Van and the girls were the first people they met. And we enjoyed being your neighbors for years. Our thoughts are with you and the family at this sad time. With our sympathy.
Trix & Tom Lynar
#12
August 26th, 2017 9:04 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Michael Halpin
#11
August 26th, 2017 8:41 pm
My sincerest condolences to Ann and family. Van was a great friend his word was his bond. He has left a great legacy to his family and the town of Hackettstown has been enriched with the many fine buildings he has erected he will be missed. Mike Halpin
Betty and Doug Powers
#10
August 26th, 2017 7:34 pm
Ann,Christine, Pete and Jane, We both knew Van and Christine and Pete from the local lumber yard on liberty st. Met van back in 1984. Van was a great man and will be missed by all. He holds a special place in our hearts. Prayers and thinking of you all
Paul & Robin Wallace
#9
August 26th, 2017 6:59 pm
Dear Mrs Paftinos, Peter, Jane, Christina and family.
My Wife Robin and I are very saddened to hear of Mr. Van's passing, and as you know and have expressed to me he was more than a friend to me, and as much as I will miss him, and our Town, it pails in comparison to the hurt you all are going through.
Our Town has lost some treasures these past couple of years, and Van Paftinos ranks right at the top of such a loss.
We pray the LORD who alone can grant any Comfort in a passing, grant you all HIS comfort, and may HE Make HIS Face To Shine Upon You All, And Give You All Peace in this period of Mourning, and all the Days of your lives through Christ our LORD.
GOD Bless you all
Paul & Robin Wallace
Wayne DeGroff
#8
August 26th, 2017 6:45 pm
Ann, Chris, Jane and Peter,
I just read about Van. I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences. He was a great man and will be sorely missed by the Hackettstown Community. If I know Chris, she along with Peter will carry on Van's legacy.
Wayne DeGroff
Bill & Abby Conforti
#7
August 26th, 2017 6:33 pm
Abby & I are deeply saddened by the passing of Van. I was honored to have known and work with him for over twenty five years. He will always be remembered by the Town, and especially the senior citizens. You all are in our prayers.
Michael Huffert
#6
August 26th, 2017 6:19 pm
You will be missed my friend.
Mark Beckert
#5
August 26th, 2017 6:10 pm
Ann and family, I am very sorry to hear of Van's passing, he was a great man and one of the hardest working people I've ever known. Rest in peace Van.
Lester and Joy Snyder, Sr.
#4
August 26th, 2017 5:51 pm
Ann and family: It is very sad news to hear of the passing of our longtime friend. Van has left a legacy to all who live in our town. A very humble man but mighty in his convictions and accomplishments. He made his family proud! Our Sincere Sympathy to you all. He will be very much missed. Joy and Les Snyder
Michael & Loretta Casella
#3
August 26th, 2017 5:36 pm
Dear Anna and Family: I was so sorry to read about Van's passing. I have great memories of him and your entire family working at Leo's. Hackettstown became a better community with the help of Van and your family. God Bless
Bill Naughright
#2
August 26th, 2017 3:59 pm
My condolences to the Paftinos family.
Margaret Russack
#1
August 26th, 2017 3:08 pm
Dear Paftinos Family, so sorry to of Van's passing. What a terrific man he was. He will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to you all.
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