George Meszaros, PhD

A Denver business pioneer, George fled communism from his birthland of Hungary by stowing under a train until it reached Salzburg, Austria; there, he entertained American servicemen by playing the organ, and developed a fondness and deep appreciation for Americans. In 1971, George and wife Ilona—who also fled communist Hungary—moved to Colorado, from New Jersey, with their two children. They founded internationally recognized Ilona of Hungary Institutes of Scientific Skincare from a small enclave on Colorado Boulevard. At its apex, Ilona of Hungary had eight elegantly-appointed skincare salons across the nation—from New York City to Los Angeles; Houston to Chicago. Any long-standing Denverite has probably driven past their headquarters in Cherry Creek North where the company has been based since 1975. In addition to a thriving skincare and beauty business, George earned a Ph.D and authored two books—an autobiography, and a business success guide—both published in Hungarian. Although a native of Hungary, George considered himself an American through-and-through, and often saluted the American flag. He fully embraced the American dream and his narrative is that of a true American success story and the virtues of the free enterprise system. George embodied the characteristics of a true business visionary, entrepreneur and capitalist. George and wife Ilona are credited for pointing the beauty spotlight on Denver where previously it was the dominion of east and west coast companies. At the pinnacle of their success, George and Ilona were awarded the coveted Knighthood Cross from the President of Hungary for their successes as Hungarian refugees. Today, that Knighthood Cross is prominently displayed at company headquarters. George is survived by wife Ilona, daughter Ilona-Margaret, son Robert, grandchildren Sean and Ilona-Marie, and two Beloved Dogs, Zsa Zsa and Angel. Denver has lost a legendary businessman and a true patriot. George's favorite saying was, "Where there's a will, there's a way." Words he lived by.