Savas “Steve” Savidis, age 62 years, of Flemington, NJ, died on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 24, 1960, in Krya Vrysi, Greece, son of Kyriakos and Anastasia Poursanidou Savidis, Steve was raised in Greece and emigrated to the United States in 1972, first settling in Elizabeth, NJ, before moving to Flemington, NJ, in 1981where he would spend the rest of his life.

A kind and gentle soul who only saw the good in people, Steve always put others first and will be forever remembered for his humor and hospitality to all peoples.

Truly known as a “family man” and beloved community persona, Steve was the best friend and devoted husband to Effie, with whom he joined hands in marriage on September 2, 1989, in Steve’s hometown in Greece. She credits the longevity of their relationship to their individual strong wills and their love being grounded in true friendship.

The union of their souls would bring them the the true joys and legacy of Steve’s journey in this world, their daughter, Anastasia, and son, Kyriakos. Both recall their father as their biggest cheerleader, as well as being there for them at all times, day or night, no matter the situation.

Beloved by the community, Steve will be forever synonymous with J & S Restaurant, which he opened in 1982 and operated to 2010 with his entire family, including his parents, brother, George, and his wife and children. The restaurant was known as place where all could gather for amazing food, served with love and a side of humor.

Understanding the simple things in life, Steve strove to be a friend to all people. He was happiest when he could simply grill for family and friends, spending time laughing, having a drink, and enjoying each others company.

He enjoyed driving, and looked forward to vacationing in Greece whenever he was able. He and his younger brother, George, enjoyed a special bond and were more like twins than the several years separating them would lead you to believe. Steve also greatly enjoyed watching both a good Hallmark movie as well as Western movies.

Though his passing came suddenly, in true Steve fashion he continued to help others by giving the Gift of Life and Sight through organ and cornea donation. Steve’s generosity and selflessness during a time of tragedy speaks to his legacy that will live on through all who had the honor of breaking bread and enjoying the company of this truly wonderful soul. He would want all those reading this to ask themselves how they could help their fellow human, and to always remember the words of Dr. Seuss who wrote, “Don’t cry because it has ended, smile because it happened.” Thank you Steve, for the many smiles that you gave us all, and the many smiles we will have thinking of you often until we are all joined together again, in that place where this is no pain, but only light, peace, and hope.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, Anna, and father, Jack, in Greece, are his wife, Efthimia “Effie” Sidiropoulou; his daughter, Anastasia Savidis; his son, Kyriakos Savidis; his brother, George Savidis; his niece, Angelica Savidis; several extended family members in the United States and Greece; his J & S family that has forever endured; and many dear friends.

Steve will lie in repose on Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, 85 Voorhees Corner Road, Flemington, NJ, 08822, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

A Funeral Liturgy officiated by Fr. Anastasios Kousoulas will follow the gathering at 11:00 a.m. at the church and to which all are welcome.

Interment will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery, 69 Capner Street, Flemington, NJ.

You are encouraged to visit Steve’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the Flemington-Raritan First Aid & Rescue Squad, via mail to P.O. Box 686, Flemington, NJ 08822, or online by clicking HERE, or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, via mail to Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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