William “Bill” Mavrode, age 91 years, longtime resident of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ, with his cherished family by his side.

Born on November 12, 1931, in Newark, NJ, son of the late John and Bessie Diacogiannis Mavrode, Bill was raised in Newark, NJ, and had lived in Piscataway, NJ, prior to moving to what would become the family farm in Ringoes in 1983.

As a first generation American, Bill’s parents instilled in him the values of hard work and family first, and all who knew Bill knew he loved his family and protected them fiercely. Though he did not have a formal college education, Bill was “street smart” and possessed a wisdom and intellect that rivaled many who had advanced degrees.

Always a hard worker, he founded and operated Mavrode Florist Supplies for many years and then was involved in the operations of the Omega Diner and the Metro Diner. When he turned over the reins, Bill took great pride in watching Mavrode Farms flourish and grow… the legacy continues with the next generations of which he is so proud. He was a doer-whatever was needed, Bill did in order to care for his family. Spending much time on the road, he would make constant trips from the farms in North Carolina to the floral markets of New York City, stopping only to give his belove wife, Ronnie and children, a kiss hello, before getting back on the road in order to provide for them.

Joining hands in marriage on November 25, 1961, Ronnie and Bill’s sixty-one years of marriage are a testament to love and to the strength of family instilled in Bill as a child. He was the proud father of John, Paula and Michael, and they in turn gave him the title that Bill cherished most in life when his grandchildren were born, that of “Pop.”

A doting “Pop” to his grandchildren, Bill proudly spoiled his grandchildren at every opportunity and they will all never forget the many trips in the RV-from going to family functions to traveling up and down the East Coast-the RV was a source of many happy memories for the entire family.

With a personality that was larger than life, Bill was an amazing judge of character and loved telling stories and showing photos of his life to anyone. He literally had a story for everything and enjoyed making people smile. His presence was felt in any room he was in, and this was not because of his tough exterior, but because anyone who knew him, knew the softer side of his persona. He enjoyed being there for people, simply because it was the right thing to do, and countless people were the recipients of Bill’s generosity during difficult times.

Having many hobbies, he mostly enjoyed tinkering around the farm, enjoying his collection of antique cars, listening to country and Greek music, and spending time with family and friends enjoying every moment that life has to offer. Times at the lake house in South Carolina were among some of his favorite memories.

With a strong faith, Bill was a proud member of St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church in Flemington, NJ.

He lived his life fully. He enjoyed every moment. He lived big and loved more than one could ever imagine. He was unique and one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a brother, George Mavrode, and a brother-in-law, Edward Miller.

Surviving are his wife, Veronika “Ronnie” (Miller) Mavrode; a son, John Mavrode; a daughter and son-in-law, Paula and David Ruzicka; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Demetra Mavrode; a daughter-in-law, Kitsa Mavrode; a sister, Mary Lignos; two brothers-in-law, Henry and Alex Miller; his grandchildren, William John Mavrode, Katrina Mavrode and her fiancé, Andrew Johnson, William Michael and Vanessa Mavrode, John Steven Mavrode, Lauren Ruzicka, David Ruzicka, Nina Ruzicka, and Lily Ruzicka; several nieces, nephews, and extended family; his Mavrode Farms work family; and many dear friends.

Bill will lie in repose on Friday, January 13, 2023, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ, as well as on Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, 85 Voorhees Corner Road, Flemington, NJ, 08822.

The Funeral Service officiated by Fr. John Theodosion 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 Bill’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 church at the address above, or online by clicking HERE.

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

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