Thomas Foukas

Thomas (Anastasios) Foukas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by his family. Born on March 8, 1929, in Rizes, Tripolis, Greece, Thomas lived a life defined by devotion to family, faith, hard work, and generosity.

He was predeceased by his cherished parents, George and Stamatina Foukas, as well as his siblings: brother Constantine and sisters Panagiota, Maria, Niki, and Marina. He was the second oldest of nine children.

He is survived by his loving wife Christina Blathras Foukas, son, Dr. George, daughter Matina Foukas Anastos, son-in-law Louis Anastos, grandchildren Heleena & George Anastos, brother, John Foukas, and sisters Olympia Anagnos and Angela Zinkow.

In 1955, Thomas immigrated to the United States in pursuit of opportunity and a brighter future. Five years later, alongside his brother John, he built and began operating the Mid-town Grill, a beloved establishment they proudly ran for more than forty years. Through his warmth, hospitality, and tireless work ethic, Thomas turned customers into lifelong friends and made the restaurant a treasured gathering place in the community.

On November 25, 1962, Thomas married the love of his life, Christina Blathras, in Sparta, Greece. Together they built a beautiful life centered on love, faith, and family.

Thomas was a devoted father to his son Dr. George Foukas, fiancée Kathy Diez, daughter Matina Foukas Anastos, and a proud father-in-law to Louis Anastos. His greatest joy was being “Pappou” to his beloved grandchildren, Heleena and George, who were truly the light of his life. He treasured every moment spent with them and never missed a concert, recital, game, milestone, or special occasion, always cheering them on with immense pride and love.

A longtime and faithful parishioner of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Clifton, Thomas’s faith remained a cornerstone of his life and a guiding force in all he did.

Among his many passions, Thomas found great joy in cultivating his hearty multi-level garden, a reflection of his patience, dedication, and love of nurturing beauty. More than anything, he cherished time with his family, whose love sustained him throughout his life.

Additionally, Tom loved to share his words of wisdom with his family, especially his grandchildren. He took great pleasure in making Greek coffee for family and friends and enjoyed treating them to some of his wife’s delicious cookies.

Thomas will be remembered for his strength, kindness, unwavering devotion to those he loved, and the enduring legacy he leaves in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family will receive family and friends at St George Greek Orthodox Church, 818 Valley Road, Clifton NJ on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. Funeral services will be held 11 AM at St George Greek Orthodox Church on Friday, April 17, 2026 with Father Peter Souritzidis officiating. Burial will follow in East Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clifton NJ. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Thomas’ memory can be made to St George Greek Orthodox Church, 818 Valley Road, Clifton NJ 07013. Following the burial, the family will receive guests at the repast lunch at The Venetian Catering Hall, 546 River Rd, Garfield, NJ.