Dino was bom on July 14, 1947, to Nicholas and Kaliopi Gravvanis in a little village in Thessaly, central Greece. During his high school years, he attended the Greek Naval Academy on the island of Poros. After five years in the Academy, Dino became a merchant marine and made his way to the United States in December 1965. He loved this country and the opportunities it afforded him and became a proud citizen soon after.

In the year 1968, he met his wife Margaret Simon in an Israeli café in New York City. They were married in June of 1969. They had two wonderful daughters whom he adored, Lisa (Sean) andAlexia (DeEtta) and two amazing grandchildren, Shaina and Connor. Dino’s grandchildren, who affectionately called him Papou, gave him so much pride and joy. He always said he was blessed with a special loving family and wonderful friends.

After many years in America, Dino started his own company, Gravvanis Construction, in 1982. He was passionate about his love for carpentry, woodworking, furniture making, and all kinds of building. But most of all, he lovedhis customers who became like family to him. He answered their call at all hours of the day and night. Dino never retired from thejob he loved andhe actually worked until the day he was diagnosed with that dreadful tumor.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at Bemheim Apter Kreitzman Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston. Three days of shiva were observed at 15 Hill Street in Livingston. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Cycle for Survival, www.cycleforsurvival.org. or to the RWJ Barnabas Health Home Care and Hospice, in Dino’s memory.

http://www.cycleforsurvival.org