Obituary of Lee Bajrami

Bajrami, Lee (Imrli), age 66 of Elmwood Park, at rest in Hackensack on May 26, 2019. Beloved husband of Tina (nee Panebianco) Bajrami. Proud father of Adem Bajrami of Elmwood Park and Lee (Imrli) Bajrami and his wife Kristin, also of Elmwood Park. Adoring grandfather of Ava Leigh. Dear brother of Tesmi and Izmit Bajrami of North Macedonia and their families. Loving brother-in-law of the late Frank Panebianco and his wife Carolyn, and Joyce O'Sullivan and her husband Dan.  Cherished uncle of Steven O'Sullivan and his wife Amy, Melanie O'Sullivan, and Claire Panebianco. Born in Cegrane, North Macedonia (former Yugoslavia), to Qashif and Anife Bajrami, Lee came to the United States and has lived in Elmwood Park for the past forty years. He was a chef and owner of several pizzerias and Italian restaurants throughout his career. Lovingly referred to as "Big Lee", he had a heart and welcoming smile as big as his kind and generous personality. Lee loved and was loved by his many friends from Paterson to the Jersey Shore, especially at Lanoka Harbor Marina. He enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening and cooking up culinary delights. Lee was so very proud becoming an American citizen, yet he always retained a strong bond to his Albanian heritage. Above all, the love of his family was always first and foremost in his life. Family and friends may visit Wednesday 4-8 PM at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa.  Correction - Due to cemetery closure for Ascension Thursday, burial must be postponed until Friday, May 31, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Festa Memorial Funeral Home, Totowa.  Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa.  At the request of the family, no flowers, please.   For more information, go to www.festamemorial.com.