Joseph Bota

Joseph (József) Bota died peacefully on April 17, 2026, reunited for eternity with his beloved wife, Maria (Marika). He will be forever remembered for his gentle nature, quiet strength, generosity, and loyalty to family and friends.

Born in Kisvárda Hungary in 1935, Joseph was a gifted student who excelled in his studies. As a young man, he faced an unthinkable decision: to leave his family behind with no certainty of ever seeing them again, amid the political violence of the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. With great courage, he escaped through Austria and made his way to Canada. He was first sent to work in Western Canada before eventually settling in Leamington, Ontario. It was there that he began to build a new life—forming lasting friendships within the Hungarian-Canadian community and meeting the love of his life, Maria.

To move forward despite what they had both experienced as young adults was a testament to their resilience and hope for a greater future for their family. The two raised their children, Joe and Frances, in Guelph, where Joseph continued to put down roots. He built a 35-year career at Fiberglas Canada, was involved with the Guelph Kossuth and Guelph Oaks soccer clubs, and was a founding member of the Hungarian-Canadian Club, Kossuth Hàz, in Cambridge, where he served as president and treasurer. Maria and Joseph were known to be dancing well until the early morning hours at the many events they organized at Kossuth Hàz.

At home, Joseph was a dedicated family man and devoted husband. A long-running joke, remembered fondly, was his self-appointed title of grocery “purchasing manager” to Maria’s delicious cooking. He kept a beautiful and plentiful garden of vegetables that Maria would pickle and share with family and friends. He would spend hours caring for the riot of colourful flowers surrounding their home. They were a true team, and soulmates, for over 67 years.

He deeply missed Maria in the few months following her passing and we are comforted that they have been reunited in heaven.

He was most welcoming as his family grew to include his children’s spouses, Helen and Dean, and his grandchildren and their partners: Matthew (Sarah), Bryan (Jessica), David, Sabrina (Colin). Known as Nagypapa to four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Joseph always made them feel loved and remembered. He made great efforts to be present at many of their sporting events, graduations and milestones, both big and small. You could always count on the fact that the first call of any birthday celebrated was from Joseph. Nagypapa was proud to see his family expand to include Mason, Bridget, Nora, Jack, and Sasha, whom he loved dearly.

He will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Joseph is predeceased by beloved siblings András and Erzsébet and is survived by many nieces and nephews in Hungary.

Friends will be received at Holy Rosary Church for visitation from 9:30 am to 10:30 am on Friday, May 8th. A Funeral Mass will follow in the sanctuary at 10:30 am. All are invited to join the family for a reception following the service in the church hall. Private interment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Holy Rosary Church, Hospice Wellington or Guelph General Hospital or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be left and donations made online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com