Spiros Epamenondas Hionis (November 21, 1939 – August 5, 2025) was a proud Greek-American entrepreneur, family patriarch, and visionary in the New Jersey greenhouse industry. Born in the village of Atsoupades, Kefalonia, Greece, Spiros grew up in a large family of seven children during the difficult years following World War II.
In 1953, a catastrophic earthquake in Kefalonia destroyed countless homes. At only 14, Spiros worked in his family’s olive oil-making business and operated their sawmill, producing lumber to help rebuild his community. His determination for a better life led him to join the Hellenic Merchant Navy, traveling across the globe before immigrating to the United States in 1963.
From Kefalonia to the American Dream
Upon arriving in the U.S., Spiros worked tirelessly—holding a daytime job in a bakery and learning the greenhouse trade at night. In 1965, he partnered with his brother Panagis and brother-in-law Michalis to purchase their first greenhouse in Middlesex, New Jersey, later expanding to Green Brook with three thriving locations.
In 1970, Spiros married Angeliki, the love of his life. Their shared passion for horticulture led to the founding of Hionis Greenhouses in 1985 in Bridgewater, NJ. The business quickly became a leader in the region’s floriculture and horticulture industry.
Hionis Greenhouses – A Family Legacy
By 1997, their four sons had taken over daily operations, relocating the business to Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. Today, Hionis Greenhouses operates 18 acres of undercover greenhouse production and 65 acres of outdoor production, serving customers throughout the United States. Spiros remained active in the business, proudly overseeing operations and celebrating its 40th anniversary this past May.
A Life of Community, Heritage, and Philanthropy
Beyond business, Spiros cherished summers in Kefalonia, traveling the world, and spending time with family, koumbaroi, and friends. Together with Angeliki, he actively supported philanthropic causes—particularly those promoting Greek heritage, language, and education.
Family and Legacy
Spiros is survived by his devoted wife Angeliki; children Pete (Lynn), Tim (Nora), Spiro (Danielle), and Gerry (Dora); and 12 beloved grandchildren: Angeliki, Marianthe, Elizabeth, Roxanne, Nondas, Angelos, Angeliki, Lydia, Constantina, Joanne, Spiros, and Vivianna. He is also survived by his sister Marianthe and many nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Greece.
He is predeceased by his parents Efthimios and Violeta, and siblings Pavlo, Dionisi, Konstantina, twin sister Roxani, and Panagis.
Spiros’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and deep devotion to family and community. His entrepreneurial spirit helped shape the Greek-American business community and left an enduring mark on New Jersey’s horticulture industry.
Visitation
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 his memory be eternal.
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