July
14, 1926 - July 28, 2009SOUTH BEND - Joseph J. Szalay, 83, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at 8:15 p.m. in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. Joseph was born on July 14, 1926, in Papoc, Hungary, to the late Viktor and Alojzia (Sziva) Szalay. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Gyula and Steve, and by his sister, Maria. On August 20, 1955, he married Emma (Faber Kovacs) in Hungary, who survives along with their children, Elizabeth Szalay of Walkerton, Emeric "Imre" (Cheri) Szalay of Walkerton and Bela Z. ("Neicie") Szalay of Mishawaka; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and by his brother, Imre Szalay of Tapolca, Hungary. Joseph came to the U.S. in 1959 from Switzerland. He was the owner of Szalay's European Custom Tailoring. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 553, Fr. Nieuland 4th Degree Assembly Knights of Columbus, Christ the King Catholic Church, Serra Club, Toastmasters International, and MADFATS-Tennis Club. He avidly played tennis up until June 12, 2009. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2009, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend, where a combined Knights of Columbus and a parish Rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2009, in Christ the King Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior in the church. Cremation will take place. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 S.R. 933, South Bend, IN 46637; or to the Nicky J. Foundation (Joseph's great-grandson) at any 1st Source Bank. For those who are unable to attend the funeral liturgy, condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.