William Penn Life, 2004 (39. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2004-02-01 / 2. szám
Branch News The officers of Branch 51 for 2004 are (l-r); Frank Zimmermann, vice president; Richard Mozer, treasurer; Joe Baumgartner, auditor; Hedy Baumgartner, auditor; Martha Barillo, secretary; and Arthur Barillo, president. Branch 34 Pittsburgh, PA by Andy McNelis Happy Valentine's Day to all from branch 34. As you read this, remember: Spring is just around the corner (I hope). Take a moment or two out of your busy day and say a prayer for all of our service men and women and their families that they return home safely. We as a nation should be proud of our troops for their courage and professionalism. They are the best in the world. Remember: Freedom for those who fought for it has a sweet flavor the protected will never know. Branch members celebrating a birthday during the month of February include Mitzi Berei, Brian Goettler, Gina Goettler, Joan Nagy and National Director Mike Kara. We hope this year will be a safe, happy and healthy year for all of you. Special congratulations are sent out to long-time branch member Andy Fekete who celebrated his 90th birthday on Jan. 10.1 mentioned Andy's birthday in last's month's issue, but failed to say that it was the start of a new decade for Andy. Andy, everyone at the branch wishes you all the best. Happy birthday. Our next branch meeting will be Saturday, March 27, at 3:30 p.m., at the American Hungarian Social Club on Flowers Avenue in Hazelwood. All branch members are welcome and encouraged to come. I am sad to inform you of the passing of two long-time branch members: my father-in-law Andy Vámos and Bill Mayor. Andy passed away on Dec. 30 after spending the last several months in a nursing facility. Andy was bom in Hungary in 1917 and immigrated to the U.S. in 1951. Andy was 86.. Over the years Andy held various positions with the William Penn Association, including branch manager (branch coordinator) and convention delegate. My father-in-law had four passions-his family, Hungary, his church and his garden. He loved to have his grandchildren and greatgrandchild around him. He took great joy in seeing them when they came to visit him. Even though in the last week he could not communicate with them, you could sense he knew they were there. Dad never seemed to get over losing Maria, his wife of over 50 years, who passed away in March 2002. Numerous times, from the 60's through the 80's, Andy and Maria traveled back to visit family and friends in Hungary and Germany. The two were inseparable. His only surviving sibling is his brother László Vámos who lives in Hungary. Andy is also survived by his daughter Marguerite; his son Gary; three grandchildren, Andrew W. McNelis, 111, Gary Patrick Vámos and Nicole Vámos; and one great grandson, Donovan McNelis. Please keep Andy and his family in your prayers. Dad, I'm going to miss you. Bill Mayor passed away on Jan. 2, 2004, at home at the age of 84. Bill had been slowed down lately by health problems that kept him and his wife Caroline close to home. That had to be hard for them both because you could count on seeing them at golf, bowling and the picnics. Bill also held various positions with the branch including auditor and convention delegate. His wife Caroline, one sister and a number of nephews and nieces survive Bill. Please keep Bill and his family in your prayers. If you have any news you would like to share, please contact Andy McNelis at 412-421-6031. For information about WPA life insurance and annuity policies, please contact Branch Coordinator Maria Bistey at 412-431-6035. Branch 51 Passaic, NJ by Martha Barillo Here it is, 2004. Ring out the old and welcome the new. We hope your Christmas holiday was a good one, and we wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. We are writing in the new year, but all of our happenings were in the old year. On Nov. 14, we attended the Protestant Ball in Wayne Manor, N.J. The night was magical. The debutantes were like Cinderellas; the young men like princes. They danced divinely. The music was enchanting. (The violinist was a real Hungarian gypsy.) This was a wonderful evening for us. Joining us were our cousin László Lakatos and his beautiful wife Veranika from Slovakia. Also with us were our son Thomas and his lovely friend. (Did you ever try to get your kids to a ball? Try the "last minute" touch.) We also had in our company such old friends as Elsie and Frank Radvany, Marguerite and Anthony Beke, and Ann and Frank Zimmermann. We enjoy this ball because we see people there that we would not 14 williu Pell Life, February 2004
