It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of husband, father, grandfather and family patriarch, Spiros Epamenondas Hionis.

Spiros Hionis, 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at his home in Green Brook, NJ. One of seven children he was born in Atsoupades, Kefalonia Greece on November 21, 1939.

Spiros endured the hardships and poverty following World War II (1945) and survived the catastrophic earthquake of 1953. He worked at the family's olive oil-making business in Atsoupades Greece and at 14 he proudly operated the family's sawmill machine to generate lumber for the rebuilding of houses destroyed by the earthquake. His aspirations for a brighter future led him to join the Hellenic Merchant Navy. Following several travels on commercial ships he decided to settle in the U.S. in 1963 where he began to work tirelessly at a bakery in the day time and at a greenhouse at night where he learned the trade.

In 1965 he partnered with his brother Panagis and brother in-law Michalis to purchase their first greenhouse in Middlesex NJ and then expanded to Green Brook, NJ with 3 locations. Subsequently, Spiros met his charming wife, Angeliki, whom he married in 1970. Sharing a passion for horticulture and a vision for growth, Spiros and Angeliki established Hionis Greenhouses in 1985 in Bridgewater, NJ. Hionis Greenhouses has been growing ever since as Spiros and Angeliki successfully transmitted to their 4 sons a legacy of hard work and commitment to excellence. Their sons took over the business in 1997 and relocated to Whitehouse Station, NJ where it remains to date. The operation now has 18 acres of undercover greenhouse production and 65 acres of outdoor production at multiple sites serving consumers throughout the country. Spiros would show up daily to oversee operations and was most proud of his son's accomplishments.

This May, Spiros celebrated Hionis Greenhouses' 40th Year in business which filled him with much joy. He enjoyed summers in Kefalonia, travelling the world and spending time with his family, koumbaroi and friends. Spiros (and Angeliki) also supported philanthropic activities with a focus on promoting Greek heritage and education.

He is predeceased by his Parents Efthimios and Violeta siblings Pavlo, Dionisi, Konstantina, twin sister Roxani and Panagis and is survived by his loving wife Angeliki Hionis, children Pete and Lynn Hionis, Tim and Nora Hionis, Spiro and Danielle Hionis and Gerry and Dora Hionis. Spiros Hionis also leaves behind 12 adoring grandchildren: Angeliki, Marianthe, Elizabeth, Roxanne, Nondas, Angelos, Angeliki, Lydia, Constantina, Joanne, Spiros and Vivianna Hionis. He is also survived by his sister Marianthe Hionis and many nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Greece.

Visitation will be held on Sunday August 10, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 US-202, Branchburg, NJ and on Monday August 11, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Bound Brook Cemetery, 500 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook, NJ.

May he rest in eternal peace among the angels and may his memory be eternal!

If you wish to send flowers, you may send them to Branchburg Funeral Home.

If you prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. George Piscataway Greek School Scholarship Fund in memory of Spiros Hionis at Donate Today | St. George Greek Orthodox Church.