‘American Idol’ Star’s Father, Longtime Wyckoff Resident Dies

James Maroulis, a longtime Wyckoff resident, died Saturday, according to his Vandeer Plaat Funeral Home obituary.

Maroulis was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Wyckoff 35 years ago, it said. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Constance (nee Economos) Maroulis of Wyckoff, his beloved children, Athanasios and his wife Carleen, Anastasia, and Constantine.

Constantine Maroulis, a Wyckoff native, American Idol Season 4 finalist and Tony-nominated Broadway actor, tweeted about his father’s passing this week.

“My Father passed this morning, we will miss him dearly,” Constantine tweeted Saturday, along with the above photo. “This was a pic of him in the Army 1950's :).”

According to Maroulis’s obituary, he was a decorated Army veteran who served during the Korean Conflict. He spent his full occupational career at Unisys Corporation, working as an engineer technologist until his retirement. James’ success in life can be directly attributed to his arduous work ethic and his natural mechanical and analytical abilities. His attention to detail was legendary and he took great pride in his home, especially his gardening. He was a proud member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Wyckoff where he served on the Parish Council and was a member of AHEPA. He was member of The Hellenic Masonic Lodge, NYC. 

Maroulis is also survived by his treasured granddaughter, Malena James Maroulis, his sister, Helen Maroulis of Katonah, NY and countless fond nieces, nephews, and beloved relatives further survive him.

Visiting is Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home. Funeral Service Wednesday 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas G.O. Church in Wyckoff. Interment Wyckoff Reformed Church Cemetery. Memorial Contributions to St. Nicholas G.O. Church, Wyckoff.