Obituary of James Pittas

It is with profound sadness that James N. Pittas, 81, of Randolph, NJ suddenly passed away on Tuesday, February 21^st, 2023, with his family by his side. He was born in Dover, NJ on December 29, 1941 to Nicholas G. Pittas and Despina Pittas (Seretis) who had predeceased him. James is also preceded in death by his brothers, George N. Pittas and Chris N. Pittas. James graduated from Dover High School in 1960 and enlisted in the army shortly thereafter. He graduated from Trenton State University with a Bachelor’s Degree and taught math for 38 years at Lincoln Middle School in Passaic, NJ. He had a love for teaching and his true passion was to help and mentor his students any way he could. He had such an impact with them that many continued to keep in contact with him up until his death.  He also coached, tutored and volunteered for after school programs at his school. James helped students by providing support and guidance throughout their school years. When he wasn’t working or helping his students, he devoted himself to coaching his daughters in basketball and softball, riding bikes, playing pool while listening to his favorite band The Doors, taking his daughters swimming at Randolph Lake every day in the summer and taking them to eat at Roy Rogers on Friday nights. He volunteered as a GOYA advisor for 15 years at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church and was in a softball league for nearly 50 years. After he retired, James decided to work at the recycling center in Randolph. He would greet you with his contagious smile and always put his hand out to help anyone in need.

James was an easy going light hearted man who got along with anyone he came in contact with. His beautiful soul touched the hearts of many. James lived for his family. His children and grandchildren were his life. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t see them. You would find James at his grandsons’ basketball and football games, in addition to their track meets. He would be playing old maid, board games, attending gymnastics or teaching his young granddaughters how to write and do math. His gift for teaching went beyond his classroom. James loved sitting at the kitchen table with his grandchildren, helping with schoolwork, and doing word search or highlights.

James loved taking cruises with his best friend and traveling to Florida with his children, grandchildren and sons-in-law every year. Spending his Friday nights at the Jefferson Diner with his cousins and friends was one of his favorite things to do. James frequented Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Mount Airy Casinos and loved playing poker with family and friends.  He enjoyed shopping at malls and the outlets and getting gifts for himself and those he loved.

James is survived in legacy by his daughters, Despina Pittas-Szelag and husband Adam J Szelag, Vicki Pittas Garces and husband Cesar A. Garces, grandchildren; Luka Garces, Mateo Garces, Elli Szelag, Eva Szelag, ex-wife and dear friend Elli Pittas, and uncle Takis Seretis and his wife Soultana Seretis. He is also survived by a host of loving in-laws, cousins, nephews, and nieces.

You are not with us now, but your spirit and memories will always be with us. Your lessons will always guide us, and your love and smile will always be remembered. You are going to be missed forever. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

“See you later alligator, after while crocodile”.  Until we all meet again, “Super duper”.

“You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived.”

Visitation will be held at Tuttle Funeral Home in Randolph, NJ on February 27^th from 4-8pm.

The funeral services will be held on February 28^th at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Randolph NJ at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church