Obituary of Istvan Herczeg

     Istvan Herczeg (Steve) of Wappingers Falls, died peacefully on December 23, 2018 at Wingate at Beacon. He was 87 years old.

     Steve, as he was known by his friends, was born on March 30, 1931 to Ferenc and Istvane Herczeg in Kecskmet, Hungary. He was highly educated and studied at the University of Pavia Italy where he got a PHD in political science, as well as a PHD in law from Budapest, Hungary.  He was fluent in three languages.

      In 1959 he came to this country and married his wife Alba, who predeceased him in 2009.

     Steve is survived by his two sons, Ferenc Herczeg, (Deborah) of Wallkill and Joseph Owens, (Lisa) of Brewster; a brother, Domenico in Hungary; and extended family in Italy, Hungary, and Maryland.

     He had a strong work ethic and worked very hard to support his family.  He was a man of integrity with many wonderful qualities: generosity, hospitality, loyalty to his friends and family and a great sense of humor.

     He was proud to have been a freedom fighter in the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 and was equally proud to become an American citizen in 1969.

     Steve had a wonderful retirement from Metro North Railroad until suffering a massive stroke in July 2016. His passions were his family, gardening, dancing up a storm with the seniors, travelling, and dabbling in the stock market.

     Family will receive friends on Sunday December 30, from 2-6 p.m. at Straub, Catalano and Halvey Funeral Home, 55 Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. 

     Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 31, at 10:30 a.m. at Straub, Catalano and Halvey Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery, on Route 9 in Fishkill.

     For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.