Leo J. Horvath

Charlotte - Leo, age 98, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2017 in the loving care of the Stewart Health Center and Hospice of Charlotte. His was a full life of service to country, government, family and fellow man. Leo had many interests, but #1 was people. He never met a stranger and always remembered your name. His life was built by relationships. He was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on October 26, 1918, the fourth son of a tailor, John Horvath and wife Theresa Domyan Horvath, who were 1906 immigrants from former Yugoslavia (currently Slovenia).

He graduated from Liberty High School in '37 and Penn State University in '42 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He would in later years obtain a BA in Economics at George Washington and study International Affairs at Georgetown. He married Elizabeth Ann Washbon Horvath in 1947, which began 56 years of wonderful devotion.

Leo's diverse career included various engineering roles, but felt most fulfilled when serving America and its Red Cross. During World War II Leo was a U.S. Marine fighter pilot flying the F4 U Corsair in the Pacific. From 1951 to 1973 he worked for the CIA in Operations and Foreign Service, while simultaneously maintaining public roles with the State Department, including serving at the Embassy in Rome for six years. Having received numerous commendations including for senior work in the Langley Operations Center, Leo retired in '73 with honor and a career intelligence medal.

In 1980 an earthquake in southern Italy drew him to what would be a second long and passionate career in disaster relief, preparation and reconstruction for the American Red Cross. He helped in many U.S. cities and foreign countries, often in central and Latin America. He had a key multiyear relief and reconstruction role related to the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, whereby in '92 he was awarded the Mexican Red Cross Medal of Honor. Leo would continue to work full-time until age 81, often traveling the world leading seminars on preparedness and humanitarian law or leading delegations allocating Red Cross funds.

He would have continued part time but Elizabeth's years of Alzheimer's disease required him to be a loving caregiver near family in Charlotte, until her passing in 2003. Leo was a "doer", a learner, and a teacher. He could speak five languages, fluent in three, including Italian and Spanish. He lived in numerous countries and traveled to at least 80. His many personal interests included high school wrestling, Boy Scouts (Eagle), and later - painting, sculpting, woodworking, gardening, bridge, many card games, croquet and breaking bread with a glass of wine. Leo was a true husband, father, grandfather and friend. Frugal as to himself, generous as to others, he was above all compassionate to those who lacked a voice, an education or money. He deeply believed more learning and diplomacy would deliver far more peace and less suffering.

Leo is survived by his daughter Patricia Ann Horvath; his son Stephen John Horvath and wife Kathryn Ibach Horvath; his grandchildren, Stephen John Horvath Jr., Charles Whittemore Horvath and Avery Elizabeth Horvath.

A service to celebrate Leo's life will be held at 2 PM Wednesday, June 7 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte. The family will receive friends following the service in Oxford Hall.

Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross of Charlotte, 2401 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28203.