Louis J. Czifra 1932-2020

Lou was born in Hangacs, Hungary, on Oct. 15, 1932. He was in the Hungarian military, serving as a tank commander. After the 1956 revolt, Lou crossed the Iron Curtain of the Austrian border. From there he joined the many “freedom fighters,” traveling through Europe in search of a new home. He found himself at Bremerhaven, Germany. Here, Operation Safe Haven transported Lou and 9,000 other Hungarian refugees to Camp Kilmer, N.J.

He arrived in the U.S. on Jan. 16, 1957. Lou then joined family in Youngstown, where he would live the remainder of his life. He met his beautiful wife, Lisa, whom he married Aug. 26, 1961. He worked as a trusted mechanic at Stackhouse Oldsmobile for over 35 years.

Lou stayed active after retirement. He maintained a robust vegetable garden. Lou loved to bowl and became a member of the St. Brendan’s and St. Elizabeth’s Bowling Leagues. Lou was also an active member of St. Mary Church of Mineral Ridge, where he volunteered and served as a sacristan.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents, Lajos and Mary Orosz Czifra; wife, Lisa A. Takacs Czifra; brother, Geza Czifra; and sister, Ellen Czifra.

His memory will be cherished in the hearts of his children, Louis J. Czifra Jr., William (Evelyn) Czifra, David (Julie) Czifra, Mark (Catherine) Czifra and Mary Beth Czifra; sisters, Elizabeth Hajas and Mary Godas; grandchildren, Mitchell (Lisa) Czifra, Alexander (Marjane) Czifra, Phillips Czifra, Stacia Czifra, Eden Anderson, Sophia Czifra and Aubrey Czifra; along with great-grandchildren, Zane Czifra, Sadie Czifra and Marek Czifra.

Services will be held at his beloved St. Mary Church in Mineral Ridge on a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to St. Mary Church, Mineral Ridge.

(special notice)