Dr. George Jálics

Our deeply beloved George (György) Jálics passed on peacefully to eternity at home on October 6, 2024, in the company of his loving family in his 95th year after almost a decade of devoted homecare by his beloved wife Anikó of 61 years. George was born into a loving family in Gyál, Hungary on November 21, 1929, as the third of ten children born to Isabella (Fricke) and Kálmán Jálics. 

After overcoming challenges from WWII and the horrors of communism, including the death of his father at the hands of the regime, he helped lead his family's escape to Ohio during the Revolution of 1956 where he helped support his family while learning English and earning a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Western Reserve U. in 1964. While in Cleveland he met the love of his life, Anikó Mesterházy, and helped raise 5 beloved sons and 13 grandchildren. 

He was a loving, supportive, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a successful Polymer Chemist at Goodyear with numerous patents, an ardent amateur historian, a dedicated soccer player and coach for his children and fan of his grandchildren, an avid gardener, a classical music listener, and strong supporter of his Hungarian heritage. He always remained devoted to his Catholic faith, even repeatedly escaping forced labor camp to attend Mass. He was extremely loving, compassionate, cheerful, and optimistic. He had a great memory and a keen sense of humor and loved to tell stories and share his knowledge of history. He loved to sing (loudly), especially at church and around the campfire and to read to his children (often in his lap) and grandchildren and recite Hungarian poetry. He enjoyed visiting relatives in Hungary and throughout Europe and shared many wonderful vacations with his wife and family, especially in the Canadian wilderness, Florida, and Hawaii. 

Preceded in death by his son Imi and siblings Isabella Jálics, Fr. Ferenc Jálics S.J., Vilma (Gyuszi) Dombrády, Sophie (Ervin) Hegedüs, Dr. Paul Jálics and brother-in-law Zsolt Mesterházy. George is survived by his loving wife Anikó; siblings Mária (Bandi†) Jálics, József (Christa) Jálics, Alice (Barney†) Bellagh, and Stephen (Susan) Jálics; sisters-in-law Kristi Jálics, Zsuzsi Reynolds; brother-in-law Tamás Mesterházy; sons Frank (Susan) Jálics, Dr. Miklós (Marian) Jálics, Dr. Laci (Amy) Jálics, Dr. Józsi (Julie) Jálics; grandchildren Ilona, János, Alena, Karin, Arianna, Luka, Márton, Mia, Mónika, Lea, Kristina, Benedek, and Klári. George is also mourned by his many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 313 N. Depeyster St., Kent, Ohio, 44240, with Rev. Fr. Richard Pentello as celebrant. A luncheon reception will follow immediately after Mass in the church hall followed by a private burial for family at Moore’s Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Francis Foundation of Déva (szentferencalapitvany.org) or the American Hungarian Friends of Scouting (csbk.org) (or flowers may be sent to the church).