Fraternity-Testvériség, 2001 (79. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2001-07-01 / 3. szám
Page 24 TESTVÉRISÉG “I spent 32 years at Emil’s Foodtown in Garfield,” said Harsaghy. “I gave it up because they weren’t hanging fresh meat anymore.” He’s also logged 26 years at the Main Ave. offices of the Passaic Valley Water Commission at the clerk’s desk. Officially retired since 1991, Harsaghy’s avocation these days is selling life insurance for the HRFA. A portion of Harsaghy’s sales supports Hungarian charities, including an orphanage and senior citizen housing, scholarships, disaster relief and social affairs. “It’s the work I’m really proud of,” said Harsaghy. He studies and stays on top of insurance trends and regulations by attending training courses, often held at the HRFA’s main office in Washington, D.C. Although he doesn’t put in the 40-plus hour work weeks like he used to, Teddy Harsaghy is still hustling, and having fun. Clifton Merchant, Sept. 2001 L. to r.: HRFA members celebrating their First Holy Communion: Jennifer A. and Michelle R. Pisani at St. Phillips R.C. Church in Clifton, NJ. Ted Harsaghy, Branch Manager 973-340-9075 Branch 378, San Francisco, California Within one year, Branch 378 suffered the loss of the Rev. László Kecskemethy in May, 2000, and his wife, Irene Kecskemethy in June, 2001. Reverend Kecskemethy came to the United States in 1937, and served as pastor in the Wallingford, CT, Woodbridge, NJ, San Bernardino and San Fernando CA Hungarian Reformed Churches. He retired to the Napa Valley region of California, “God’s country”, which resembled the grape-growing areas in his beloved native land of Hungary. Throughout his life, in his ministry, in his Hospitality House, his involvement with community planning and government matters, his main concern and cause was for the betterment and welfare of all peoples, especially Hungarians. He was very proud of the “Gold Diploma” which he received from the Theological Seminary in Budapest. According to his own wishes, and as a mark of simplicity and reflection of his Hungarian roots, he was buried in a “pine box” which was hand crafted by his son Michael, and his grandson Matthew. One year later, almost on the same date, Mrs. Irene Kecskemethy died. Her son and grandson again handcrafted her coffin, honoring her request. It was again a unique gift of great love and respect, and was decorated with a beautiful aromatic cedar heart and a streamer of leaves. In both cases, their daughter Ilona created a very beautiful floral arrangement with flowers from their own garden. I was present at both services. Reverend Kecskemethy was the former Branch Manager of this Branch for many years. Margaret H. Saltzer, Branch Manager 775-883-7286 mhszsa@earthlink.net Branch 501 - Metuchen, New Jersey Maria Poes Fraternal Day Blessed with picture perfect weather, the St. George District and the Combined New Jersey Branches of the HRFA sponsored their 9th Annual Maria Poes Fraternal Day on Sunday, August 5,2001. The picturesque grounds of the Basilian Fathers of Mariapoch in Matawan, New Jersey, was again the site of the event. Father Stephen Skinta, OSBM from St. Joseph’s Church in New Brunswick, N.J. and Deacon Alex Kubik of St. Michael’s Church in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, gave the invocation in Hungarian and English respectively. Mrs. Elaine Convery led in the singing of the American and Hungarian Anthems and President George Dózsa gave the welcome. The Committee was honored to have in attendance Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Executive Director of the Bethlen Home in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and Rev. and Mrs. Leslie Martin, Pastor of the Hungarian Reformed Church of South Norwalk, Connecticut. Stuffed cabbage was added to the regular Hungarian fare that had been served in past years and proved to be very well received. St. Stephen’s R.C. Magyar Church Picnic, Sunday, August 19,2001. L. to r.: Emese Kerkay, Hungarian Museum, Passaic, NJ, Tom Marshall, St. Stephen’s Council, Rev. Stephen N. Mustos, SchP. Pastor, and Ted Harsaghy, HRFA Branch Manager 368.
