Obituary of Paul Szklenka

Paul Szklenka, Sr., of Garrison, NY passed away on April 4, 2016. He was 82 years old. Mr. Szklenka worked for General Motors as an Electrician for over thirty-five years prior to retiring. He was born on December 19, 1933 in Dunakeszi, Hungary to Istvan and Erzsebet Szaraz Szklenka. He was educated in Hungary and attended vocational school. Paul married Piroska (Judith) Molnar in Austria on January 7, 1957 prior to coming to the United States. Paul was President of the St. Margaret’s of Hungary Social Club in Yonkers for many years. He was also very active in the Hungarian Scouts. He was a member of the Hungarian National and Olympic Wrestling teams, being the youngest ever to win the National Title at the age of 17. While training for the 1956 Olympics, the Hungarian Revolution broke out, and he became a Freedom Fighter. Paul was an avid gardener and fisherman; he also enjoyed boating, swimming and playing soccer. He is survived by his wife, Piroska (Judith) of Garrison, NY and three children: Anita (Frank) Szova of Fishkill, NY, Judith Richards of Niverville, NY and Paul (Melaney) Szklenka, Jr. of Castleton, NY and eight grandchildren: Jacqueline, Frankie and Natalie Szova; Chuck and Kimberley Richards; and Emily, Julie and Abby Szklenka. He is survived by his sister, Erzsebet Ersek in Hungary. He is predeceased by a brother, Istvan Szklenka, Jr. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched. Visitation is Wednesday, April 6th from 2-4 pm & 7-9 pm at the Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington St., Peekskill, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, April 7th, 12 Noon at St. Columbanus Church, 122 Oregon Rd, Cortlandt Manor, NY. Private cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.