William Penn Life, 1973 (8. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1973-07-01 / 3. szám
N J., Br. 48, New York, Br. 51, Passaic, N. J., and Br. 13, Trenton, N. J. The Toastmaster, because of the lateness of the hour, did not take time to chronicle the achievements and services of Mr. Varga, but promised to do so in the next issue of William Penn Life and accordingly it follow®: TESTIMONIAL Mr. Louis L. Varga was born in Bridgeport, Conn., and attended local schools, undergraduate studies in Georgetown University and then attended Columbia University from where he graduated. He is married to the former Valerie Messinger, has a daughter Valerie, Mrs. Robert Burns and son Steven Varga; four grandsons, a brother Steve Varga and sister Ann Mrs. Robert Lengyel. He is President of the Amrican Bottling Co. Member advisory board City National Bank, Chairman Advisory Board 1st Federal Savings & Loan Association. Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, City of Bridgeport, former Trustee St. Stephen Hungarian R. C. Church and Commissioner, Connecticut State Reformatory, Chesire, Conn. His services with William Penn, where he has served as Vice President since 1951 is the principal reason for the Testimonial in his honor this evening. Little did he realize that his career with Rákóczi really began in 1927 when his Father Steve Varga became Supreme President of the Rákóczi Aid Association, a position which he held with honor, distinction and love. Pop Varga, as we so affectionately called him, decided that Lou was to follow in his footsteps as an official of the Rákóczi Aid Association. Lou became active in the English Branch in Bridgeport and it was while working with this group that he realized the value of a Fraternal Benefit Society with a Hungarian background. In 1938 when the Rákóczi observed its Golden Anniversary, it was Louis Varga who, in English, wrote the history of the Society, in the Golden Jubilee Book. I’d like to quote from this book the closing paragraph: “The foregoing is a short history of the Rákóczi Aid Association. It is one of the great American-Hungarian institutions which had a splendid purpose from the very beginning. To consider not only the present but also the future was a guiding thought forming this great institution. The idea was carried much further, Fraternalism, Nationalism and Patriotism were the direct results of the membership being led and guided by a group of men in a Society of good thoughts and actions. The Rákóczi Aid Association has also been a charitable institution. While the primary purpose of the Society is to insure its members, it has and will continue to act in the capacities already mentioned and for this reason it is deserving of patronage from all young Americans of Hungarian parentage.” So far the quote. What Lou wrote 35 years ago he is still preaching today. Only VICE PRESIDENT LOUIS earlier this month at an Executive Committee Meeting, he was saying that the obligation of the William Penn is to provide its members and prospective members with the finest life insurance protection at the least possible rate but at the same time we must continue our fraternal and social activties to maintain our historic role as a fraternal benefit society. Lou was most instrumental in bringing about the greatest merger in annals of Hungarian fraternal societies. His signature is on that historical document merging the Rákóczi and Verhovay in 1955 and rightfully so because with the signing of that document he fulfilled a dream of his Father who in 1915 and forever thereafter traveled the Hungarian communities with his friend and co-worker Joseph Vasas, Supreme Secretary of Rákóczi for 37 years, exhorting all the small societies to join forces and make one big, potent Hungarian Fraternal in America. The merger of Rákóczi and Verhovay succeeded beyond the fondest hopes of those who dreamed the impossible dream. Since then the former American Life has been merged, finalization of which is to be decided by the Courts. After the WILLIAM PENN ASSOCIATION came into being Lou Varga in his capacity as Vice-President and through his vast experience in the business field has helped to guide our Association on a path of progress and prosperity. Our Fraternal Activities have expanded, our coverages are constantly being changed to meet the requirements of today. We can in all sincerity say that the William Penn is where it is today, because Lou Varga was willing to sacrifice time from his business to serve the cause of fraternalism and for this reason we have gathered here this evening to say from the innermost recesses of our hearts LOU thanks for everything and please continue your dedicated efforts on behalf of all of us. L. VARGA, HONORÉ E. 5 NATIONAL SECRETARY ALBERT J. STELKOVICS, TOASTMASTER.
