Kostaq Gjeli

Kostaq Gjeli, 90, passed away on December 5, 2024, at his home in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by his wife and son. Born on May 16, 1934, in Pogradec, Albania, he grew up by the lakeside with his family.

Kostaq was a man of many talents, holding various jobs throughout his life, from baker to cook, and finally, director of the funeral home in Pogradec. He was well-known and loved in the community; to know him was to love him. He made a name for himself with his humor, kindness, and his talent for making a variety of sweets (bonbone, petulla, gurabie, etc.). During the holidays he always made bonbone and pengjir, which he then hand delivered to family and friends in the neighborhood. There was always something sweet to eat at the Gjeli household, which his kids and grandkids loved. He loved baking, cooking, and making raki and wine. Kostaq always kept himself busy with multiple projects, working tirelessly to provide the best for his family. His motivation and determination were unwavering, and he never turned down a job or an opportunity to help a friend or family member.

Kostaq was always on the move, often seen riding his bicycle with all four of his daughters—two up front, one on the back, and one on his shoulders. As the years passed, he upgraded to a small motorcycle, riding around town and giving his grandchildren rides, often with multiple grandkids at once, much to their joy.

 Kostaq is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Margarita; his daughters, Gliqirie (Vangjel), Andoneta (Jordhan), Marjana (Ferdinant), Silvana (Nesti); his son, Nikolin; and his grandchildren, Afroviti, Panajot, Enkel, Vangjush, Thanas, Nina, Xheni, Milian, Marina, Kostandin, and Margela.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Justin the Martyr  Orthodox Church, 12460 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL. 32258, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 11:00 am with a viewing starting at 10:15 am.

To order flowers for the service please click here to be taken to Kuhn Flowers website. Please have flowers delivered to Quinn Shalz Funeral Home, 3600 3rd Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL. 32250 on Tuesday December 10, 2024, prior to 4:00 pm or have flowers delivered to the church, St. Justin the Martyr Orthodox Church, 12460 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL. 32258 on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, prior to 10:00 am