Joseph Kalasz

Obituary of Joseph Kalasz After a brief respiratory illness, Joseph J. Kalasz, passed away peacefully at the Villages hospital, December 20, 2011. He was born February 3, 1916, in Toledo, Ohio, one of six children born to Robert and Theresa (Torkas) Kalasz, both of whom emigrated from Hungary. Following high school graduation, in the throes of the Great Depression, Joe spent two years in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was able to send $20.00 of his $25.00 monthly salary home to help his parents through the bad times, and at the same time develop a life long love of adventure and travel. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In addition to time at sea, he visited New York City, Puerto Rico, Martinique, the Virgin Islands, France, England, Portugal, and Spain. He had a ball! His last assignment was as a Navy Recruiter in Detroit, Michigan, just close enough to Toledo to allow him to pursue his interest in Kathryn Mercereau Bartley. He married Katie, the love of his life, in 1946; they were rarely apart until her death in 2002. Together, they raised four children, Sharon, Robert, James and Stephen. Joe continued in government work, first at Rossford Ordinance, near Toledo, Ohio, pursuing a career in the developing computer technology field. This lead to moves to Huntsville, Alabama; Orlando, Florida; St. Louis, Missouri and Tucson Arizona. After retirement in 1973, he and Katie spent a year touring the U.S. in a Winnebago before resettling in Florida. He avidly pursued his interest in gardening, golf, bridge, poker, and following his favorite football teams, U. of Florida, and Notre Dame. He visited his large extended family and many close friends. Joe was very proud of his Hungarian heritage. He mastered some of his mothers' recipes and passed on traditions to family and friends. We all enjoyed his stuffed cabbage, chicken paprika, pastries and "Hungarian turkey". Joe enjoyed entertaining friends and family, especially when they joined him in having a martinior two! Survivors include Mary Zigray his much loved sister. Children, Sharon, Robert, James, and Stephen; grandchildren, Lynne, Kathleen, Brian, Robert, John, Christine, and Rosemary; great grandchildren, Ryan, Reid, Jaci, Kendall, Leah, and John Thomas., as well as many nieces, nephews, and supportive friends. The funeral service will be held at Beyers Funeral Home, 134 North Highway 27/441, Lady Lake, FL, December 29, 2011, at noon. Burial will be at the Florida National Cemetery following the service. Services The funeral service will be held at Beyers Funeral Home, 134 North Highway 27/441, Lady Lake, FL, December 29, 2011, at noon. Interment Burial will be at the Florida National Cemetery following the service.

Joseph Kalasz

February 3, 1916 - December 20, 2011