Despina Hatzelis

Despina Hatzelis, a lifelong resident of Jersey City, passed away on December 7, 2023.

Despina was born in Athens Greece to the late Nicholas and Katherine Hatzelis and became a United States citizen at the age of four. She attended New Jersey City University and completed her MBA at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She began her career in the U.S. Government Accounting Office. Her career continued at Atlantic Bank of New York City. She was employed by the City of Jersey City and retired from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office

Despina enjoyed travels to Greece on a regular basis. She was a proud member of the Daughters of Penelope honoring her Greek heritage.

Despina is survived by her sister Martha Davis and spouse Joseph, her sister Maria Pecorelli and spouse Gerald, nieces Christina Piluso and fiancé Christopher, Stefania Pisapia and spouse Steve, Alexis Kessaris and fiancé Alex and great-niece Arianna Piluso. She is also survived by her longtime companion Richie and her closest friend and travel companion Christine Dolan.

Private services will take place at the family plot at Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst.

Donations can be made to Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church, Jersey City.