Martha Neofotistos

Martha Neofotistos
7/28/42 – 5/5/23

With shattered hearts we sadly announce the sudden passing of Martha Neofotistos of East Northport, originally of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. A devoted wife to Stelios for 47 years and incomparable mother of Richard (Brian), Lorrie (Susan), Irene (Michael) and Steven (Meadow.) The proudest grandmother to 22-year-old Drew, 11-year-old twins Lola and Xander and 10-year-old Georgia, who all lovingly called her “yaya.” Beloved sister of Eliana, Maria and Lucy. Aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Together with her husband, she successfully built and ran Mars Custom Upholstery for decades from their shop location in Brentwood, NY. In this space, she honed her self-taught skills as an upholsterer bringing her customers’ visions to life with masterfully created window treatments and transformed and modernized furniture pieces including sofas, loveseats and dining room chairs. She worked with decorators and repeat customers for years, both on residential and commercial projects.

Outside of her role as a successful entrepreneur/businesswoman, her happiest moments were spent in the home she shared with her husband and family since 1977. Martha’s home was her sanctuary where she always had a loving embrace and a delicious home-cooked meal for all who were fortunate enough to enter its doors. With Stelios by her side, they enjoyed cooking and preparing meals together and when there weren’t people in the home to enjoy it, she would happily deliver. During warm nights, she found joy in being outside stargazing by the pool, listening to her favorite music or on her rocking chair on the porch. In the cooler months, a fire blazed in the living room and Martha was seated right near it, enjoying conversation or watching the news.

Her marriage to Stelios spanned 47 years and reflected the values of true partnership, commitment and love. After being introduced by Martha’s brother-in-law, the late Ilias Zahariou, their love story began in the Bronx, and moved on to the suburbs of Long Island. They accepted and embraced each other’s cultural differences and navigated the ups and downs of marriage with grace and respect. With days together running the business and nights at home, they were rarely apart and built a beautiful storybook life.

Family was the centerpiece of that life and she was a nurturing, loving, accepting and dedicated mother and grandmother. She was proud to see her children thrive and celebrated every accomplishment, always their biggest cheerleader, without a single criticism or negative word. Yaya couldn’t get enough of her grandchildren and made sure to be an integral part of their life from birth. “I love family” was a mantra she lived, breathed and instilled in her children and grandchildren. Their close bond and family connection is a legacy that remains.

Martha is predeceased by her parents Antonio and Felicita Martinez, brothers Anjel and Samuel (Sol), sisters Teresa (Flavio), Iris (Ilias), Sara and Aida, nieces Yvette and Diane, and nephews Jason and Wilson.