Nickolaos Behlos

“When you set out for Ithaca, ask that your way be long, and your journey be filled with beauty and love in abundance.”

“Ithaca”

-Cavafy
 

Nickolaos Behlos, 81 of Jersey City, NJ, died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 4, 2024 surrounded by his adoring daughters, sons in law and grandchildren as he entered the port of life’s ultimate destination. 

Nickolaos is the treasured father of Anna Walz, Konstantina Hernandez, and Mary Kitsos; sons in law; John, Daniel, and Mike. But most of all, he leaves his legacy of love and light with his five grandchildren; Elena, Sofia, Lucas, Nicholas, and the eldest Pete with wife Haley and great granddaughter Peri Dolores.  

Nickolaos came from Greece in 1967 and met the love of his life, Dolores Sylvestry, a beautiful Puerto Rican woman who had migrated from the island. Together, they created an incredibly loving family and a successful series of businesses including Nick’s Restaurant on Communipaw Avenue, Bergen Taxi 101, and B & K Realty. 

Out of all those important things he accomplished, the one he was most proud of is the family he created. He raised his children and grandchildren to believe in the power of education, the importance of togetherness and the joy in the simple things. If Nick connected with someone, he always felt free to share his wisdom. It was never condescending or pushy. It came from a place of genuine love and wanting to impart what he learned in life over his many years. 

Nickolaos’s life was full of health challenges, but that never defined him. He had life long friendships, a 53 year marriage to the love of his life, and adoring relatives from all over the world. He loved to travel and experience new adventures. Nick was a very well read man. Well versed in philosophy, history, current events, and was especially fond of literature and poetry. His life was lived parallel to his favorite poem, “Ithaca” by Constantine Cavafy;

“Always keeping the  journey in mind. Never hurried. Your arrival there is what you are destined for.”

Visitation is Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City. (For GPS navigation it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street). Funeral mass will begin on Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:00 AM at the funeral home.  Funeral Mass will follow 10:00 AM at Ascension Greek Orthodox Church, 101 Anderson Ave, Fairview, NJ 07022. Interment will take place at Bay View Cemetery, 321 Garfield Ave., Jersey City.