Istvan 'Steve' Szoka, Sr.

Istvan “Steve” Szoka, Sr., 78 years old, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015. Born to Istvan and Julianna Szoka in Papa, Hungary, he came to the United States in 1959 settling in Franklin, N.J., where he has spent most of his life.

Steve worked as a cast silicone fabricator for Ames Rubber in Wantage Twp., NJ for 20 years, retiring in October, 2002. Steve enjoyed visiting the Franklin Pond, getting together with “Papa Joe” and was an avid N.Y. Giants and Mets fan. He was a true animal lover.

Steve was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Jim Abdou and was the beloved husband for 45 years of Bessie Szoka (nee Van Sickle) of Franklin, N.J.. Devoted father of Istvan “Steve” Szoka, Jr. of Franklin, NJ and Anthony “Tony” Szoka and his wife, Debbie of Upper Moreland, Pa. Loving grandfather of Scott and Hanna. Dear brother of Elizabeth Sarus of Papa, Hungary. Brother in law of Josephine Abdou of Hardyston Twp., NJ. Uncle of Frank, Charles and Lisa and her husband, Charles. Grand-uncle of Carly, Charles and Erin. Forever missed by his baby, Missy.

The family will receive their friends for a Memorial Service on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, 1 Main St., Franklin, N.J. Cremation was private. Memorial gifts to Father Johns Animal House, 50 Father Johns Lane, Lafayette, NJ 07848 would be appreciated. Information and condolences can be found at www.fjohnramseyfuneralhome.com.