Julius Magyar

Julius Magyar was born on September 18, 1938, to Jozséf and Maria (Orosi), in Nyiracsád, Hungary. JuIius had four siblings: Janos, Ilona (Janos) Nagy, Jozséf, and Ferenc; and five half siblings: Miklós, Veronika, Sandor, Lajos, and Erzsébet.

In 1957, Julius, 18 years old, along with two friends, fled Hungary and took refuge in Austria, after the 1956 Hungarian revolution. Eventually, Julius and one of his friends, Joe, were flown by US Army transport to the United States. Julius proudly served his new country in the US Army and Army Reserves and became an American citizen. Julius worked at Kraft/General Foods for over 35 years, and there he met Marlene, his wife of 57 years.

Julius was welcomed into Marlene’s large and loving family that included Marlene’s parents and her 11 brothers and sisters. Julius and Marlene raised two daughters, Julie (Joel) Africk and Laura Magyar. Julius was extremely proud of his daughters and viewed their educational achievements and personal and professional accomplishments as his and Marlene’s very own achievements and accomplishments. Julius’s love and pride were expanded three-fold by the births of his grandchildren, whom he adored: Jared Africk (Kate Copouls), Megan Africk, and Sarah Africk.

Julius connected with his family by inviting them to help him on projects or with gardening at his home or theirs. Julius loved taking road trips to Washington, DC to visit Laura. And he always took time when he was in D.C. to visit his lifelong friend and fellow escapee, Joe, who lives near DC. Julius also enjoyed taking walks with a dear friend, Steve, for many years.

Julius and Marlene were enthusiastic and generous supporters of the Respiratory Health Association and enjoyed attending many RHA events over the years. When Julius was 65 years old, he even participated in the RHA’s CowaLUNGa charity ride, and rode 190 miles over three days.

Whenever the weather was warm, Julius could be found outdoors reclining in a lawn chair and soaking up the sun; tending to his lawn and flowers; fixing something; or puttering in the garage. A perfect end to his day was a meal served on the back patio followed by time around the fire pit, preferably with family. These simple pleasures brought him great contentment. If you would like to honor Julius’s memory, please “sit down and relax;” feel the warmth of the sun on your face; stop and smell the flowers; take a walk with a friend; dine alfresco; or work on a “project” with a family member.

If you are so inclined, contributions in Julius’s memory may be made to the Respiratory Health Association: www.resphealth.org/donate or to another charity of your choice.

Visitation on Feburary 2, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and memorial service from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Blake-Lamb funeral home 4727 W. 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, Illinois. Masks and social distancing are required.