Stephen Zagyi died on Friday, March 17, 2017, at the age of 81, from health complications.

Stephen was born on September 10, 1935 to the late Janos and Maria Zagyi (Sarosi) in Sarospatak, Hungary.  He grew up in Sarospatak and learned many useful skills working with his family, friends, and neighbors.   He attended a Catholic school for his formal education and became an industrial machinist though an apprenticeship.

He was drafted into the Hungarian Army and served approximately two years when the communists invaded Hungary.  Rather than take up arms against his fellow countrymen, he defected, and became a freedom fighter.  He eventually fled to Eisenstadt, Austria with boyhood friend, Steve Hajdu.  A year later, they both immigrated to northern California through Catholic Social Services.

He first worked at a lumber yard and at a service station in the afternoon and weekends for extra income.  A PG&E crew parked construction vehicles at the station which he serviced.  Recognizing his abilities, they suggested he apply for work at PG&E.  He took the opportunity, and worked for PG&E for over 40 years as a welder, crew foreman, and supervisor installing gas pipelines throughout the Central Valley and foothills.  He lived in Modesto, California during his career.

After retirement, he moved to Fresno, California and kept active gardening, traveling, and helping many family and friends with home improvement and repair projects.  He also enjoyed socializing with the local Hungarian community and maintaining his Catholic faith.

Stephen was faithful, hardworking, and honest – a man of integrity.

Stephen is survived by his son, Stephen R. Zagyi (Sandy), grandchildren Krisztina and Nicholas, sister Mariska Varhamoki, many nieces and nephews, and pet Freddie.  He is preceded in death by wife Hajna M. Zagyi, brother Janos Zagyi, and sister Erszi Karajz.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 929 Harvard Avenue, Clovis, California 93612 559-299-4270.

A special thank you to all the loving and compassionate care givers from Optimal Hospice, the Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging, and to the many Hungarian family and friends who provided help during the last year of Stephen's life.