Charalambos Zevgaras

Charalambos “Bob” Zevgaras of Fort Lee, peacefully passed away on December 22, 2024, at the age of 77, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 8, 1947, in the village of Makrihori, Karditsa, Bob was the son of the late Thomas and Maria (née: Gourla) and cherished brother to the late Konstantinos.

As fate would have it, Bob’s future wife, Vasiliki “Bessie” Katsogiannos, with whom he shared 49 wonderful years, lived just across the village square. Their love story began in childhood, a bond that would shape the rest of Bob’s life.

At 17, he left his hometown to pursue studies in agriculture in Naples, Italy. After completing his education in 1975, Bob returned to Greece to marry Bessie, in their hometown. Together, they embarked on a new chapter in New Jersey, where Bessie had previously established a home for their future. Their new life began with the arrival of their first daughter, Ioanna, followed closely by their second daughter, Melina. Together, Bob and Bessie built a devoted and loving family, nurturing and passing on their cherished Greek traditions with pride.

Bob’s legacy will be forever etched in the memories of those who knew him through his warm smile, quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and profound kindness. Though a man of few words, his actions and character spoke volumes. He was deeply committed to his family, teaching them that integrity and love should guide every step of life. His family always came first, except he occasionally disappeared to watch an Olympiacos soccer match.

Bob is survived by his loving daughters, Ioanna Koutroubas and her husband Tim, and Melina Dinas and her husband Milton. He was the proud grandfather of Gianna and Michael Koutroubas, and Konstantine and Harry Dinas, who will carry on his legacy of love and resilience.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 4-8 pm at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home, 327 Main Street, Fort Lee. A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024, at The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian in Tenafly at 10 am, with interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery, Englewood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian. For condolences, directions, or further information, please call (201) 944-0100 or visit www.frankpatti.com.