Obituary of Stavri Dhimitraq Lubonja

Stavri Lubonja, 89 years old, of Atlantic City, NJ, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Stavri was born on September 12, 1935 in Korca, Albania. He was a prominent player of Dinamo National Team during the 1950s and 1960s. Later on he became the head coach and manager of the Dinamo Club. His contribution to this sport and to the Albanian athletics earned him the title of "Grand Master of Sports. He was passionate about what he did and dedicated a big part of his life contributing and helping the sport of soccer achieve new heights. He was honored and respected by everyone whose life was touched by him. His generosity and being of great help to others gave his life sense. After retiring and moving to the United States, he spent a lot of time outdoors taking long walks on the beach with his longtime wife. He was also very fond of his great-granddaughter Gaia Comella, with whom he had a very special bond and spent many evenings with over the past 10 years. Stavri was predeceased by his three sisters; Valentina Coka, Eliverti Bixha and Lluiza Tutra. He is survived by his loving wife Mediha Lubonja; his daughter Alma Lubonja; his son Genti Lubonja; his granddaughter Ina Cakerri; his great granddaughter Gaia Comella; his niece Irena Coka-Morin; and his nephews Aliosha Bixha, Elton Bixha and Antan Tutra. His Funeral Service will be held 11:00am Monday, December 30, 2024 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 13 South Mt. Vernon Avenue (entrance on Atlantic Avenue), Atlantic City with a prior viewing from 10:00am - 11:00am. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 6804 Black Horse Pike (Rt. 40), on the right, Pleasantville. Arrangements by the Gormley Funeral Home LLC.