HOME Historical
Perspective Towns Photo Gallery
Acknowledgements
HOME Historical
Perspective Towns Photo Gallery
Acknowledgements
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-- 2024 -- |
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14 Sep 2024 |
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Top Karolina Jones (née Lagler)  Karolina Helen Jones, 96, Twin Oaks Assisted Living, Williamsport, Maryland, formerly of Smithsburg, Maryland passed on to her heavenly reward on Saturday, January 13th, at Doey's House in Hagerstown. Born April 1, 1927 in Sopron (Ödenburg), Hungary, she was the eldest child of the late Heinrich and Elisabeth Lagler. She is survived by her two sons, Alvin W. Jones II (Liz) of Williamsport, Maryland, and David H. Jones (Karen) of Glenville, Pennsylvania, her grandchildren Kathleen Jones, Chelsea Blaise (Kevin), Alex Jones, and Abigail Kellerman (Matthew), and great grandchildren Avery and Luke Blaise. She is also survived by her brother Robert Lagler (Ruth) and Margaret Bayer, and several nieces and nephews of Karlsruhe, Germany. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Alvin W. Jones. She met and married Alvin who was the love of her life, in post-war Linz, Austria, and together they shared over 70 years of marriage including tours in Japan, Hawaii, Germany, Pennsylvania, and Maryland until Alvin's retirement and their settling in Smithsburg. She was a proud Army spouse and Naturalized Citizen of the United States. Karolina was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved to sew, cook, bake and take care of her family. For over 50 years she was a dedicated and faithful member of the Germantown Church of God, Cascade, MD where she and Alvin served in various ministries of their Church. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Heinrich Lagler of Karlsruhe Germany. A memorial service will be held at the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Boulevard North, Hagerstown, Maryland on Saturday, January 20th @ 11:00 am. Pastor Jeff Harner will officiate the service. The family will receive friends between 10 and 11 AM. A private interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia where she will be buried beside her beloved husband Alvin. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Washington County, MD or the Germantown Church of God, Cascade Maryland. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Twin Oaks Assisted Living at the Williamsport Retirement Village, Hospice of Washington County and Doey's House for their compassion and excellent care. Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com Top Veronica Debiak (née Kopitar) Veronica Debiak, 97, of Clifton, New Jersey, passed away on January 2, 2024. Born in St. Michael im Burgenland, Austria, to the late Hermann and Veronika (Mikolitsch) Kopitar, she came to the US in 1927 and lived in Passaic before moving to Clifton in 1958. A parishioner of St. John Kanty RC Church, Clifton, Veronica was a member of the SJK Golden Circle. A former parishioner of Holy Trinity RC Church, Passaic, Veronica was a member of the Burgenländer-American Benefit Society, Passaic. Beloved wife of the late Matthew Debiak, Sr. who passed away in 1989. Devoted mother of Nancy Peskosky of Clifton and her late husband Paul, Robert Debiak and his wife Cynthia of East Hanover, and the late Matthew Debiak, Jr., and his wife Janet of Clifton. Loving grandmother of Laura Tresca and her husband Michael, Paul Peskosky, Jr., & his wife Raquel, Christine Peskosky & her partner Alex Murphy, Benjamin Debiak, Christopher Debiak and his wife Alessandra, Emily Grubb and her husband Joe, and Kimberly Siery. Cherished great grandmother of Emma and Lilyana Tresca. Visiting Thursday 4-8 PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Funeral Friday 8:45 AM at the funeral home and 10 AM at St. John Kanty RC Church, Clifton. Interment, Calvary Cemetery, Paterson. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store. Top Karl Frauhammer Karl Frauhammer of Saline, Michigan, was born into Eternal Life on Sunday, February 4, 2024. Born in 1937 in Máriakálnok (Maria-Gahling), Hungary, he was the fifth child of Johann and Agnes (Mayer) Frauhammer. As a youth, he apprenticed as a mason, eventually becoming a masonry contractor. Following his marriage in 1958 to Irmgard Klinner, and a tour of duty in the German Army, the Frauhammers emigrated to the United States in 1962, settling first in Ann Arbor and then Saline. Karl worked several years with his brother, Franz, and on his own, prior to being hired as a mason by the University of Michigan Plant Department, from which he retired in 2000. Karl and Irmgard, who survives, are the parents of Monika Barera (David), Karl A. (Norma), and Linda; the grandparents of Michael and Matthew Barera, Sarah Frauhammer, and Amy DeLellis (Joe), and the great-grandparents of Everly DeLellis, all of whom survive. Several nieces and nephews and their families in the U.S. and Germany also survive, including Susan Dettling (James) and Frank Frauhammer (Brenda), both of Ann Arbor. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Johann, Franz, Josef, Magdalena, Elisabeth and Florian. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Saline. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Fr. John Linden as Celebrant. Inurnment will follow the Mass and will take place in the St. Andrew Church Columbarium. A luncheon will follow and will also be held at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Karl's name may be made to St. Andrew Catholic Church or to Arbor Hospice, and envelopes will be available at the Church. To leave a memory you have of Karl, to sign his guestbook or for directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com. Top Frieda Gerich (née Deutsch) Frieda Gerich, 94, late of Lockport, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Meadowbrook Manor in Bolingbrook. Born in Grieselstein, Austria and moved to the United States on June 2, 1962. Frieda was a lifelong devoted Catholic. She will forever be remembered by all who knew and loved her. Preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Gerich (1991); parents, Franz and Theresia (Dornfeld) Deutsch; and 12 siblings. Survived by her devoted son, Willibald “Willy” (Sandra) Gerich of Lockport; and numerous cherished family members and friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, in the O’Neil Funeral Home Chapel 1105 E. 9th St. Lockport, IL 60441 from 5:00pm until time of Service at 7:00pm. Following Service Cremation Rites will be respectfully addressed. Family and friends can sign the online guestbook at www.oneilfuneralhome.com Top Bertha Baranowski (née Gossy) We celebrate the life of Bertha Baranowski of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, Mother and Mema, who was welcomed into Heaven by our Lord Jesus on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Bertha was born in Kohfidisch, Austria, joining her two older sisters, Gisela Turk (deceased) and Anna Komporlis (deceased). Four years later they arrived at Ellis Island, NY in 1937. Parents Frank and Irma (Gober) Gossy (deceased) settled in New Jersey for 20 years and relocated to Wayne County, PA where Bertha met her husband of 59 years, Henry (Hank) Baranowski, who preceded her in death in 2012. Bertha is survived by a brother Frank (Dot) Gossy and three children, Sue (Craig) Baptist, Sandy (Joe) Pagnani and Dan (Mary) Baranowski. Surviving grandchildren are Julia Pagnani, Jane (Derek) Drasba and Michael Baranowski. While living in Waymart, PA, Bertha was employed for 15 years at The Salvation Army Ladore Lodge Resort as Craft Instructor and Reservationist. Bertha volunteered for many years at the West Abington Senior Center as a Board member and Knitting/Crocheting Instructor. She was a Garden Club member during her younger years. Bertha loved to paint and was inspired at an early age by her Austrian uncle, Freddie Gossy, who was a professional muralist. Bertha loved her special small group who met weekly for Bible study. What began in church became weekly at her apartment and then to the nursing home where Bertha resided. So much love and dedication are a true blessing. Bertha – Bert - Mom - Mema left behind so much love for all of us to share. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 17, at 3:00 pm at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 South State Street, Clarks Summit, with services by Dr. Paul McGuinness, pastor. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 pm until the time of the service. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Schultzville. Any donations may be made to Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center, Scranton, PA. Top Michael Bierbaum Michael Bierbaum, beloved husband, father and grandfather, age 90, a long-time resident of East Bridgewater, MA, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024, at Baypointe Skilled Nursing Center in Brockton, after a period of failing health. Born in Sopron (Ödenburg), Hungary, his family was forced by the Allies to relocate to Germany after World War II, even though his family had lived in Hungary for generations. While living in Germany, he learned to play the accordion and was a member of an accordion orchestra, which included playing in accordion competitions. In addition, he enjoyed playing soccer and was a member of a soccer club. In Germany, he met and married the love of his life, Waltraud (Trudy) Boras, where they could be seen motoring around the countryside on one of Mike's motorcycles! In 1956, he moved to the United States, along with Trudy and their first daughter, Brigitte, initially settling in Brockton before purchasing a home in East Bridgewater in 1962. Having worked at a leather factory in Germany, he found work at Montello Heel in Brockton. He then became a carpenter and worked for the Carpenters LOCAL 624 in Brockton until his retirement. Mike enjoyed reading, music and singing, sailing on his catamaran, and riding his horses. He especially enjoyed drinking a cold can of Old Milwaukee beer! Mike became one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1972 and enjoyed sharing God's promises found in the Bible. He will be fondly remembered by his friends from the Bridgewater congregation. Mike is predeceased by his dear wife, Trudy of 67 years, as well as his daughters, Brigitte and Christine and his son Fred. He is survived by his two sons, Peter Bierbaum and partner, Gail Robinson of Bridgewater, and George Bierbaum and partner Marge Parker of New Hampshire, as well as his daughter Karen Rogers and her husband Thomas of East Bridgewater, and his grandson Jason Hammel of East Bridgewater. He also leaves behind his extended family in Germany. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 2:00-5:00 PM, with a memorial service at 4:30 PM, at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary), Whitman. Burial service will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mike's honor may be made to Old Colony Hospice & Palliative Care; www.oldcolonyhospice.org or The Parkinson's Foundation; www.parkinson.org Top George Demetrovits On Saturday, March 23, 2024, George Demetrovits of Kensington, Maryland, passed away peacefully. He was the beloved husband of Marcia Coyle Demetrovits for 61 years, loving father to Stephen Demetrovits (Leila) and Grace Ronan (the late James), and cherished grandfather to James Ronan and Michael and Clare Demetrovits. George was born in Szentpéterfa (Petrovo Selo/Prostrum) Hungary on December 29, 1933, to Stephen and Mary (Wagner) Demetrovits. At the age of 3, he moved to New York City, where he attended St. Stephen of Hungary School and St. Anne’s Academy High School. He attended Catholic University, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. After college, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force before embarking on a 31-year career with IBM’s Federal Systems Division. Following his retirement from IBM, he continued his professional career with Lockheed Martin and SAIC. George and Marcia’s story began at the Officers Club, where they serendipitously realized they were neighbors residing in the same apartment building on the same floor. They married in Washington, D.C. in 1963 and were soon blessed with two children, Stephen and Grace, whom they lovingly raised in Bethesda, Maryland. George’s job transferred them to Wiesbaden, Germany where they lived for three years, traveling extensively, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. Aside from his professional accomplishments, George took immense pride in his family. He was not only a loving husband, father, and grandfather but also a gourmet chef, master gardener, avid reader, and lifelong New York Giants football fan. He delighted in preparing elaborate meals for his family and friends. Family and friends may call at Holy Redeemer Church, 9705 Summit Ave, Kensington, MD, on Saturday, April 13, starting at 10:30 a.m. where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sunshine Projects, an organization serving young adults with special needs, at www.sunshineprojects.org or mail to 8304 Bradley Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817. Top Rudy Verhas Rudy Stephen Verhas, age 85, of New Lyme, Ohio, passed away at his home surrounded by family, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. He was born in Schachendorf, Austria on May 17, 1938, the son of Imre and Anna (Petti) Verhas. Rudy married Julia (Rozgonyi) Verhas on May 17, 2001. He worked in maintenance for AJAX Magnethermic, Warren and ARC Rubber in Geneva. Rudy was a member of the Hungarian Club of Northeast Ohio and St. Mary Roman Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife Julia, children Frances (Dana) Hodge, Patricia (Jeff) Verhas, Rudy (Lisa) Verhas, brothers Imre and Louie Verhas, sister Klara Siklosi and 5 step-children, 19 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents and wife Alice (Lubarski) Verhas. A funeral mass officiated by Rev. Kevin McCaffrey will be held at St. Mary Church, 103 N. Maple Street, Orwell, OH 44076 on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with burial of his ashes to follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will take place prior to mass at the church starting at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Hungarian Club of N.E., 12027 Abbott Road, Hiram, OH 44243 or St. Mary Church, Orwell. Condolences may be made at painefuneralhome.com Top Otto Kovacsics Otto Kovacsics, 87, of Prospect, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, while under the care of UPMC Hamot in Erie. Born Oct. 21, 1936, in Felsőcsatár (Gornji Četar/Oberschilding), Hungary, he was the son of the late Dezső and Anna (Pataky) Kovacsics. Otto survived the Hungarian Revolution when the Soviet Union invaded Hungary by hiding in the woods while his family home was bombed. He escaped his home country and immigrated to the United States. He was a proud American citizen. He spent most of his career at Swindell Dressler. While employed he obtained a patent for coal burning. Otto was a member of St. Faustina Parish, St. Christopher at the Lake Catholic Church in Prospect. He was a former recipient of a "Manifesting the Kingdom" award from the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He often volunteered at church as well. Incredibly, he built a former home by hand. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, dancing to polka music with his wife, watching and investing in the stock market, and golfing. Above all, Otto enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed. Otto leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 60 years, who he married on April 20, 1963, Mary (Haberland) Kovacsics; his children, Gizelle (William) Dean and Susan (Jerome) Boland; and his grandchildren, Brianna Dean, Evan Dean and Luke Bobosky. In addition to his parents, Otto was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond; and his sister, Ann. Friends and family of Otto Kovacsics, who died Wednesday, April 3, 2024, will be received from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2024 at Boylan Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Connoquenessing Township, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Faustina Parish, St. Christopher at the Lake Catholic Church, 232 N. Franklin St., Prospect. Otto will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Butler. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the William Penn Fraternal Association Scholarship Foundation, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or to the St. Faustina Ladies Guild, c/o St. Faustina Parish, 342 Normal Ave., Slippery Rock, PA 16057. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com. Published by Butler Eagle on Apr. 6, 2024 Top Hilda (Kulovits) Geosits Hilda M. Geosits, 74, of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, died Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospital. She was the loving wife of John Geosits, Sr. and they would have celebrated 55 years of marriage together this September. Born in Güssing, Austria, she was a daughter of the late Stefan and Maria (Stranzl) Kulovits. Hilda was a graduate of Whitehall High School and a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Coplay. She worked as a hairstylist most of her life for various businesses in the area. Hilda’s family was her whole world. She was a very caring, compassionate person and was selfless, putting the needs of others before her own. Surviving along with her husband John, are her daughter Lori Galucy and husband Tony, son John, Jr. and wife Nicole, grandchildren Stephen, Madison, Mackenzie, Hazel, and Rose. There will be a calling period from 1:30-2:30 pm, Friday April 19, 2024, at Brubaker Funeral Home, Inc., 327 Chestnut St. Coplay, PA 18037. Memorial Services will follow at 2:30 pm Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in her name, payable to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Brubaker Funeral Home is honored to handle the arrangements. Top Maria Heidenwolf (née Deutsch) Maria Heidenwolf, 94, of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, quietly passed away on April 15, 2024 in the comfort of her home where she resided for 65 years. She was married to the late Joseph Heidenwolf for 62 years. A daughter of the late Robert and Maria (Mild) Deutsch, she was born in Rábafüzes (Raabfidisch), Hungary, a small German village very near the Hungarian-Austrian border. In 1950, she crossed the Atlantic Ocean with her oldest sister Gisi and settled in Allentown. She worked in the silk factory and used her earnings to help bring the rest of the Deutsch family to America. Maria attended Americanization classes and graduated with honors. She loved having family picnics and working in her garden. As the mother of 5 children, she was very busy tending to them. Once they were older, she enjoyed working as a travel agent. She travelled to many places, though her favorite vacation was spending time with her family in Stone Harbor, NJ. She loved adventure and never met a stranger. Maria had a very compassionate heart and loved all God's creatures, especially animals. She also loved to dance and spent many Saturday and Sunday evenings at the German-American clubs in Allentown showing off her dance skills with her husband Joe. She also loved going to the casinos and enjoyed playing a good game of scat. Maria is preceded in death by her husband Joseph, her son John, her sisters Gisela Winkler and Berta Kiehstaller, her brother, Emil and her great grandson Kyle. Survivors: Son Joseph and wife Mary E. of Allentown, daughters Sylvia Seltzer and husband Glen of Allentown, Cynthia Wise of Coplay, and Mary Niles and husband Ray of Jacksonville, FL; eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren; brother Robert Deutsch and his wife Terry. Viewing is at 9:00 am for one hour in Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church 618 Fullerton Ave. Whitehall followed by Mass at 10:00 am on Friday April 26, 2024. Interment will follow in Laurel Cemetery, Fullerton. Contributions can be made to any animal shelter to honor Maria's love of animals. The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall is honored to handle her arrangements. Top Joseph Koller Joseph Koller, a resident of Villa Park, Illinois, passed away at the age of 84 on April 19, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 10, 1940, in Pornóapáti (Pernau) Hungary, Joseph immigrated to the United States at the age of 16, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. Joseph proudly served in the US Army and later found lifelong companionship with his beloved spouse, Judith (Hamler), who preceded him in death on August 30, 2023. He also mourned the loss of his daughter Angela on August 19, 2017. Joseph's enduring legacy lives on through his four children: Kristine (Ken), Julianne (Joe), Steven (Nicki), and Melissa (Chris). He was a devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren: Brandon (Luciana), Brittney, Bradley, Kale (Melanie), Gabriel (Madison), Benjamin, Devin, Brianna, and Alex, as well as four great-grandchildren: Biliana, Fey, Ava, and Alex, with more great-grandchildren on the way. Joseph is also survived by his siblings: Frank, Margaret, Ann, Emmerich, Anthony, and Agnes. As the first member of his family to immigrate to the United States following the Hungarian revolution, Joseph faced numerous challenges, including language barriers and the overwhelming scale of his new home in Chicago. However, he tackled these obstacles with resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of hard work and perseverance. Starting as a carpenter, Joseph worked his way up through dedication and commitment, never complaining about the difficulties he encountered. Instead, he focused his energy on his faith, his family, and his passion for the outdoors. Joseph Koller will be remembered for his unwavering strength, his kind heart, and his profound love for his family. His legacy of resilience and determination will continue to inspire generations to come. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York St., Elmhurst. Following the visitation, a Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Rd., Hillside. Top Stefanie Deutsch (née Grohotolski) Stefanie Deutsch, 90, formerly of Nazareth and Bethlehem Township, quietly passed away at Gracedale Nursing Home in Upper Nazareth Township on Sunday, May 12, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank J. Deutsch, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2010. Born in Reinersdorf, Austria, Stefanie was a daughter of the late Franz and Caroline (Sommer) Grohotolski. She was employed by the County of Northampton where she worked as a dietary aide at Gracedale Nursing Home for 27 years, retiring in 1992. The simpler things in life were most rewarding to Stefanie, as she enjoyed gardening, cooking, and occasionally, a trip to the Sands Casino, now Wind Creek. She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Bethlehem Township, and a former member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Nazareth. Survivors: Stefanie will be forever remembered by her daughter, Anita and husband, Gregory Walakovits, of Lower Nazareth Township; a grandson, Christopher Walakovits of Boston, Massachusetts; along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Frank, she was preceded in death by her siblings: two brothers, Ernest and Sigmond Grohotolski; and four sisters, Rosie, Theresa, Mary, and Helen. Services: Mrs. Deutsch’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately with her family. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, LLC, in the Village of Moorestown – Bath. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stefanie (Grohotolski) Deutsch, please visit our floral store. Top Josef Legath Josef Legath, age 85, of Watertown, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Saturday May 11, 2024. He was born in Strem, Austria, the son of the late Josef and Johanna Legath (Buch) Legath. In addition to his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Rosi (née Taschler), he is survived by his daughter Johanna Legath Klohn and her husband Thomas Klohn, and their daughter Alexa of California. He is also survived by his sisters Maria Strehl in Germany and Johanna Stranzl in Canada. He will be greeted in heaven by his daughter Susi Legath Sprole and will be sadly missed by Susi's widower Ryan Sprole, their son Graham Sprole, and Ryan's fiancé Rachel Borsavage, who have been an incredible comfort to him. He is predeceased by his brother Willibald Legath, Erika Legath Benedetti, and Eduard Legath. He found his greatest joy in watching the wildlife visit his backyard, especially the many birds that greeted him every morning, with his trusted canine companions over the years (Duke, Chester, and Rexi) by his side. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. at the Woodbury location of Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home located 2 School St. A Mass of Christian burial will take place Friday May 17, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Church located 574 Main St. Watertown, CT 06795. Burial will follow at Raymond Hill Cemetery in Carmel, NY. If desired, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Josef's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Jerome L Greene Family Center at amp.cancer.org or to the Putnam Humane Society at puthumane.org. Top Elisabeth McGrath (née Kastner) Elisabeth McGrath, of Leeds, New York, peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, with her family by her side. She was 89 years old. Born in Sopron (Ödenburg), Hungary on November 8,1934, to the late Franz and Elisabeth (Tirnitz) Kastner, she was one of 9 children. She was raised in Germany and received her education there before meeting her late husband Eugene Thomas McGrath, who was stationed in Germany, together later moving to Leeds, NY. She had many jobs, but her favorite was at Bloomingdales. She took her job seriously and was excellent at it. Her bosses loved her and she them. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, reading, and traveling. Elisabeth was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed every minute of every day. She will be sadly missed by all. In addition to her parents and her husband Eugene, Elisabeth is predeceased by her siblings Stefan, Maria, Julius, Nikolaus, Franz, Gisela, and Michael. Survivors include her children Susan (Tom) Vacca, Nancy (Brian) Watts, Francine (Tony) Sweeney, James (Lisa) McGrath as well as her grandchildren Andrew Vacca, Meghan McGrath and Jack McGrath, and her sister Helma Tidwell who resides in Las Vegas NV. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 4 to 6 pm at A.J.Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville, NY. A mass will be offered on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Knock Shrine, 2052 State Route 145 East Durham, NY. Interment will take place on Monday, June 24, 2024 11:30 am at St. Charles Cemetery, E. Farmingdale, NY. Condolences may be left at ajcunninghamfh.com. Top Notburga Ross (née Sambold) Notburga “Peg” Ross, 79, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Canfield, Ohio on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Peg was born on December 9, 1944, in Dobersdorf, Austria, as the daughter of Rudolf and Josephine (Krammer) Sambold. At age 14, Peg emigrated from Austria to Sewickley, Pennsylvania, where she lived with her grandparents. After graduating high school, Peg attended Robert Morris junior college and then moved to Youngstown, Ohio. Not long thereafter, Peg met the love of her life, Ronald J. Ross. Peg and Ron married on December 7, 1968, and remained happily married for nearly 52 years until Ron’s passing in 2020. Peg enjoyed playing cards with her bridge group, socializing with family and friends, and volunteering her time to help others. In 1982, “Outstanding Young Women in America” recognized Peg for her volunteer work. Her many volunteer activities included: American Cancer Society Zone Chairwoman and fundraiser, March of Dimes volunteer, Mahoning County Bar Association Women’s Auxiliary member, St. Christine Home and School President and Room Mother, Girl Scout leader, and soccer coach. Peg was also a real estate agent for 20 years until retiring. One of Peg’s greatest joys in life was baking and cooking for family and friends. It was common for Peg to bake one of her famous desserts or prepare dinner, unsolicited, for extended family or a friend in the neighborhood. Peg was truly a people person, had many friends, and was loved by everyone she met. Just in the days since her passing, friends and family have referred to Peg as an angel, having a heart of gold, being one of the most caring and loving people they ever met, a wonderful person, generous, elegant, charming, and fun. Peg was all that and more. In her eyes, Peg’s finest accomplishment was being the best mother a son and daughter could ever ask for, a devoted and loving wife to Ron, and a loving “Oma” to her grandchildren. Family was always Peg’s foremost priority. Peg is survived by her son, Douglas (Pamela) Ross of Canfield, daughter, Nicole (Brian) Truby of Houston, Texas, and her five grandchildren, Kate, Jacob, and Lauren Ross, and Olivia and Ryan Truby. Peg also leaves behind four sisters in Austria, Roswitha (Adi) Bergman, Eveline (Harold) Hochstrasser, Gabriella Kroboth, and Doris (Peter) Ohner, a brother and sister in California, Eric (Anna) Sambold, and Karen (Ken) Dana, stepdaughter, Tamara Shane, and step-granddaughter, Krystal Bieri, nieces, Tamara Cleevely and Barbara Gonda, and nephew, Donald Belosic, Jr., all of whom she loved. Peg was extremely grateful for her multiple myeloma support group. Through the group members’ inspiration, encouragement, and comfort, although passing unexpectedly, Peg was winning her several year battle with multiple myeloma. Family and friends may call from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024, at Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home at 3100 Canfield Road, Youngstown, Ohio. No funeral service will follow. In lieu of flowers, the Ross family respectfully requests that tributes in Peg’s memory be made to the Mahoning Valley Second Harvest Food Bank, 2805 Salt Springs Road, Youngstown, Ohio 44509. Family and friends may visit www.vaschak-kirilafh.com to send condolences to the family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Notburga Peg Ross, please visit our floral store. Top Johann Matthias Prinner Johann Matthias Prinner, beloved husband of Eileen, passed away peacefully with family by his side at home in Northford, Connecticut, on July 2nd, 2024. Born March 29, 1936, in Sopronbánfalva (Wandorf), Hungary, and a witness to many tragic events as a child, he spent his life building things back up after seeing them destroyed during World War II. Hansi to his German friends and family, he became John when he and his family immigrated to the United States in 1951. Aptly named, he was known for his strength, smarts, and kindness. While a brilliant student during his days in Hungary, his family did not have the means or resources to continue his education in Germany. That did not deter him when he came to America. He joined the US Army as a non-citizen, despite the pleas of his high school teachers, who marveled at how masterfully he adapted after missing 2-3 years of primary school. Always a perfectionist, you would never have known English was his second language. That is when he started to build things. First himself, then his family, and then his community. After serving in the military for his adopted country during the Korean War period, he was naturalized, got his GED and enrolled at the University of Bridgeport. Few people know this, but he played on the UofB Men’s Soccer team that placed second in the very first Division 1 NCAA Men’s Soccer National Championship in 1959. Soccer was a past-time, but he had more important things to build. He met his darling wife Eileen when she emigrated from Ireland to NYC in 1959. She became the love of his life, his passion, and his everything. Embracing family first, it took him several years to complete his bachelor’s degree in engineering from the UofB, but he did so with three children in tow in 1965 and became the first college graduate in his family. Among his many accomplishments was taking over the fledgling Recreational Soccer Program in North Branford in the mid 70’s (for free because he saw a need) and co-founding the North Branford Soccer Club. He and his partners built by hand what is now known as Calvo Field in Northford, CT. Never one for awards or accolades, he was an applications engineer at Emerson Electric, and AI-Tek Instruments, working quietly and expertly for over fifty years. He could be counted on to solve nearly any engineering problem relying on his slide-rule until the very end. He worked so hard and for so long that his family often joked that he might have retired and forgotten to tell anyone. Upon his retirement at 79 it was clear his colleagues and friends at work adored and admired him – none wanted him to leave. He was a self-taught very accomplished tennis player, ping-pong “icon” and regular participant in the volleyball and soccer leagues around town. He would often win close matches in ping-pong, only to tell his opponent that he had played left-handed. He was a sports-nut, but never missed a dance recital, concert, or game for any of his children or grandchildren, often traveling to Massachusetts, Pennsylvania & New York for “day trips”. He had unbelievable stamina and determination for an athlete who only played on weekends and could keep pace with teenagers late into his fifties, sometimes scrimmaging with the North Branford high school players to share his knowledge. He was a multiple sport Senior Olympics Champion way into his sixties. When he stopped playing, he loved his UConn Huskies! Johann (John) is survived by his wife Eileen who he has been married to for 64 years and his children Catherine (Frank) of Wallingford, CT, John (Linda) of Cohasset, MA, Deborah (Kurt) of North Haven, CT, and Tina (Matthew) of Durham, CT. He is also survived by his brother Frank, as well as nine grandchildren Erika, Nicolette, Johnny, Patrick, Kelly, Kurt, Autumn, Austin, and Matthew and one great-grandchild Layne. He was predeceased by his parents Matthias and Angela, and his sisters Ann, Frieda, and Eda. He never stopped building – he is our “rock” and our foundation. Top Rudolf Gaugel It is with broken hearts that we share the news of the passing of Rudolf "Rudy" Gaugel of St. Charles, Illinois. A loving and dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Rudy was born April 4, 1932, in Szombathely (Steinamanger), Hungary, the son of Karoly and Gizella (Wukits) Gaugel and died at his home in St. Charles on July 8, 2024, at the age of 92, holding hands with his dear ones. Rudy was raised in Hungary where he learned his skills in Engineering and tool and die making. He later applied these skills working in the textile industry. At age 25 during the Hungarian Revolution, he along with his mother and sister, fled Hungary on foot in the dark of night. They safely reached the Austrian boarder where his mother's parents met them and took them to their home. After a brief stay in Austria, they were able to make their way to Chicago where they quickly found work and settled into a new life in America. On October 14, 1967, he married Margaret (née Hanner) in Winnipeg Manitoba, bringing her back to Chicago where they began their family. In 1972 with their three children, the family of five moved to St. Charles and have remained in their same home ever since. Rudy was very active raising three children and serving his community. During his working years, he was employed by Meister Brau, Munsingwear, and Sealy Mattress where he remained for 28 years. At Sealy, he supervised the setting up, maintaining and repairs of machinery, as well as teaching others how to keep the equipment in the mattress building process running smoothly. His expertise took him to many Sealy locations throughout the United States and internationally to Canada, Europe and Australia. Rudy loved soccer and for many years coached both boys and girls teams in Tri-Cities Soccer. In his retirement, he took up golfing along with more traveling. Music was always a big part of his life. He played piano, accordion and drums, and loved waltzing and polka dancing with Margaret. But his family was the most important to him and was happiest spending time with his children and grandchildren. A man of deep faith, he had been a parishioner at St. Patrick Catholic Church in St. Charles for over 50 years and served as a Eucharistic Minister and faithful volunteer at funeral luncheons. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents Karoly and Gizella. He is survived by his devoted, ever-loving wife Margaret, his son Karl Gaugel, daughter-in-law Rosalind and their sons Ross and Rudy; his daughter Anna Pettyjohn and son-in-law Erik Pettyjohn and their children Emma Reinmiller (husband Jacob Reinmiller) and David Pettyjohn; and son Steve Gaugel and daughter-in-law Jennifer Fox and their children Elizabeth, Julia, Charlie and Gita. He is also survived by one great grandson James Rudolf. In addition, he is survived by his sister Emmy Bodrogi, many dear in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins, and a wealth of friends throughout the world. Many knew Rudy and loved him, but few will ever forget his sense of humor and his accent, which was a delight to hear. A visitation will be held Friday July 12, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Yurs Funeral Home 1771 West State Street, Geneva, IL 60134. The funeral mass will be Saturday July 13, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6N487 Crane Rd. St. Charles IL 60175. Interment at Prairie Cemetery, St. Charles IL to follow. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Rudy's memory to St. Patrick Catholic Church in St. Charles. Mass intentions for Rudy are also welcome. Top Edward Forstner Edward Andrew Forstner, 99, passed away on July 31, 2024 at his home in Palmer, Alaska. Born in Mosonszolnok (Zanegg), Hungary on May 6, 1925 to Lajos and Maria Forstner, Edward married Edith Csajtay on September 30, 1950. Their loving bond lasted 73 years. In 1956, the Forstner's fled Hungary and settled near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. Forstner worked as a master machinist at H&H Manufacturing until his retirement in 1983. Afterwards, he and Edith moved to Palmer, Alaska and lived the rest of his life in a family-built log home on Edgerton Park Rd. Edward was an avid philatelist and enjoyed his vast collection of stamps. Edward also enjoyed volunteering at Pioneer Peak Elementary as a foster grandparent until 1993. He is survived by his loving wife Edith, children Marianne (Tom) Luc; Edith (Wayne) Roeder; Edward (Gina); and Peter (Emily) Forstner; 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Joseph Forstner, and son Thomas Forstner. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1201 E Bogard Rd. Wasilla, Alaska at 11:00 a.m. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store. Published by Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman on Aug. 12, 2024 Top |
