Demetrios 'Jimmy' K. Gatanis

Demetrios ‘Jimmy’ K. Gatanis, age 79, longtime resident of Milford, NJ, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025 surrounded by his family at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Twp., NJ.

He was born on June 13, 1946 in the village of Diefha, on the island of Chios, Greece.  He immigrated to the USA in 1970.  Jimmy lived in Milford, NJ for many years before moving to Whitehouse Station, NJ in January, 2025.

He was the son of the late Konstantinos and Kaliopi Bois Gatanis.  

He was the beloved husband of Eleni D. Minidakis, celebrating 52 years of marriage.

Everyone knew Jimmy as the co-owner and operator of the Mountain View Chalet in Asbury, NJ where he always warmly greeted everyone with a smile.  He celebrated 40 years owning the Mountain View Chalet with his nephew, Demos Fokas.  Jimmy loved cooking and especially participating in popular soup contests.  He loved his time at the restaurant and all the friendships he made with his customers and his staff. Prior to owning the Chalet, he owned a restaurant ‘The Silver Star’ in Manhattan.  

Jimmy was a longstanding member of the Agia Markella Greek Orthodox Church of Northern Chios Society of Pelineon in Kenoza Lake, NY.  

He loved going back to Chios, especially visiting his home village.  He was known for his generosity to charitable causes in Greece and the US alike. He also enjoyed hunting years ago.  Most of all, Jimmy adored his family and loved spending time with them and watching his grandchildren grow.  

Survivors in addition to his loving wife include three children; Kaliopi Nicolaou and her husband Nick of Union Twp., NJ, Michael Gatanis and his wife Angela of Union Twp., NJ and Kostas Gatanis and his wife Erica of West Caldwell, NJ.  Four beloved grandchildren; Yiannis, Demetris, Elianna and Demetri.  Two sisters; Joanne Fokas of Bethlehem, PA and Elaine Lioudis of Bethlehem, PA.  Sister-in-law;Elaine Gatanis of Secaucus, NJ.  Brother-in-law; Minas Minidakis of Chios, Greece.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in the USA and Greece.  

Predeceased by his brother; Michael Gatanis. Two brother-in-laws; Sotirios Fokas and John Lioudis. He is also predeceased by his in-laws; Mihalis and Leonora Minidakis.

Calling hours will take place on Monday, June 30, 2025 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 10am at St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, 85 Voorhees Corner Road, Flemington, NJ. Entombment at St. Bernard's Cemetery & Mausoleum in Bridgewater, NJ.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Northern Chios Society “Saint Markella”, PO Box 590, Palisades, NY 10964 or online by clicking here. 

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