Angelo Vayas - RIP

I was just told that Angelo Vayas, owner of Village Trattoria, who struggled with cancer passed away last night. I am sorry for being the bringer of bad news, but I am looking for more information such as funeral arrangements if anyone has any information.

May his memory be for a blessing. R.I.P.

So sad. My sincerest sympathies to the family. Village Green said they would post information about funeral arrangements as soon as they are available

Angelo was a standup, honorable, humble man of integrity. And a family man who talked about his family as his greatest treasure. He will be missed

R.I.P.

-s.

Somethingz_Fishy said:
Angelo was a standup, honorable, humble man of integrity. And a family man who talked about his family as his greatest treasure. He will be missed

And kind and generous to individuals and community.

Angelo , as well as my friends on the other side would occasionally poke gentle fun at my spoken Greek with a strong Newark accent. Several times he told me to stop by and see his family in Thessaloniki..........they would always have a place for me.

Above all he loved his family and never failed to let the world know this............I am beyond sad.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Fedorovskaya.jpg

I am so sorry to hear this. I hope his friends and family can find some comfort.

This makes me so sad. Angelo was one of the friendliest faces when we first moved to Maplewood. May he rest in peace.

I'm very sorry to hear this. I can't begin to calculate how many meals I've had at the Tratts. He really knew how to run a business and train staff. I hope they can continue.

My deepest sympathy to all who knew him. may his memory be for a blessing.

RIP Angelo...

God bless Mary and their 3 Sons!

So sorry to hear this.

so sad...sympathy to his family and many friends ..he was so special to everyone ..always a smile

I can't think of ever hearing an instance when some community group went to him and he didn't help out in some manner...and he got asked a lot more than most. That alone is a remarkable thing but on top of it, his family was vital to him and he showed that constantly. But he was part of a team with Mary, who shared his sense of community and importance of family. He will be missed but he left a legacy that will last much longer.

So sad. He was a good man. Condolences to Mary and their sons

hankzona said:
I can't think of ever hearing an instance when some community group went to him and he didn't help out in some manner...and he got asked a lot more than most. That alone is a remarkable thing but on top of it, his family was vital to him and he showed that constantly. But he was part of a team with Mary, who shared his sense of community and importance of family. He will be missed but he left a legacy that will last much longer.

Well said.

This is so sad, I have been going there for many years, and in fact, my son used to deliver for Angelo when he first decided to delver, Rest in peace Anglelo, you were a good man.

Train_of_Thought said:

hankzona said:
I can't think of ever hearing an instance when some community group went to him and he didn't help out in some manner...and he got asked a lot more than most. That alone is a remarkable thing but on top of it, his family was vital to him and he showed that constantly. But he was part of a team with Mary, who shared his sense of community and importance of family. He will be missed but he left a legacy that will last much longer.

Well said.

Yes. I'm glad Hank came up with some words, as we in the Trzaska household don't have very many at the moment other than admiration at the fight, and condolences and strength for the Vayas family.

such a loss for our community; I cannot fathom the loss his family must feel. RI

I am so sad for the family. And for our community, because he was a man for both. I always like dining at the tratt, which I think of as my own personal Homesick Restaurant. I like how the young people who work there seem happy, and . . . well, likable. And I kind of know them by now, in a way. I hope he's got the sauce going for us upstairs.

May God have mercy on his soul------------there are no words to describe our sadness at this news.

From the Newark Star Ledger

http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?n=angelo-vayas&pid=174936948

Angelo Vayas Restaurant owner who gave back to his Maplewood community, 'set the standard for life well-lived,' 50 Angelo Vayas, 50, of Maplewood, N.J., passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 24, 2015. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial service at Morrow Memorial Church, 600 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, on Thursday, May 28 at 10:30 a.m. The family will be receiving friends at Morrow Memorial Church on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. For more information or to send condolences, please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com.

Angelo Vayas was born June 1, 1964, in Thessaloniki, Greece. Angelo came to the United States when he was 12- years-old. He started working from 13-years-old, but even at that young age, he knew he wanted something bigger. Some people spend their lives dreaming, others make their dreams come true. Angelo aspired to be a restaurant owner, and that came true with Village Trattoria; first, in Maplewood in 1993, and then followed by Summit and South Orange.

Sharing was how Angelo lived his life, whether it was a meal for a family in need, his time, a kind word, or his heart, he was a giver. He was a proud man and a good man. Maplewood was his home and nothing gave him more pleasure than to give back to the community. Family was always first for Angelo, and nothing gave him more pride and joy than to be with the ones he loved.

He did not let brain cancer define who he was, he fought it gallantly in order to stay here with us for as long as he could. His courage and strength were shining examples for all who knew him. He set the standard for life well-lived and we will continue it in his honor. We were all fortunate to have Angelo share his life and being with us, and for every precious moment we are grateful.

Angelo was the beloved husband of Mary Marano Vayas; devoted father of Aris, Joseph, and Antonio Vayas; loving son of Evangelia Tsamtsdis Vayas and the late Aristidis Vayas, and dear brother of Jimmy and Peter Vayas.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Caroline Fund (New Jersey non-profit organization) http://www.carolinefund.org would be appreciated.

He was only 50? Too young to be gone. He and Laura both. 2 tragic losses for our community in such a short time

Very sorry to hear this. In addition to Angelo being a great person and his commitment to family and the community, I was always impressed by his business skills. If he was behind the counter, he seemed glad to be there. He expanded his business to three locations and they were open every day. Over the years, I don't recall ever going to the Trat and seeing a "closed today" sign. And the atmosphere and food, well beyond pizza, are great. The Trat and Mary's no. 165 really do seem to be the heart of Maplewood village.

I didn't know him personally but he was always nice to me and my son whenever we came in the Maplewood Village Trat. About a year ago I realized I didn't see him behind the counter anymore...I figured he was just busy with his other locations. Many prayers to his family...his smiling face will be missed.

very sad day, RIP to an all around great guy.

ctrzaska said:

Train_of_Thought said:

hankzona said:
I can't think of ever hearing an instance when some community group went to him and he didn't help out in some manner...and he got asked a lot more than most. That alone is a remarkable thing but on top of it, his family was vital to him and he showed that constantly. But he was part of a team with Mary, who shared his sense of community and importance of family. He will be missed but he left a legacy that will last much longer.

Well said.

Yes. I'm glad Hank came up with some words, as we in the Trzaska household don't have very many at the moment other than admiration at the fight, and condolences and strength for the Vayas family.

Same here. Angelo's smile was the best ever. My condolences to the entire Vayas family. Fondly, Wendy Lauter

How very sad to hear. I had the pleasure to work with him on several projects and found him to be a very caring person, humble.

I wish the family well.