Zoltan Thomas Berky

Zoltan Thomas Berky, 86, a native of Hungary, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2016. He married Esther Bordas on February 18, 1953. In dramatic fashion, they escaped communist ruled Hungary on December 4, 1956, to pursue freedom and opportunity. After spending a couple weeks in an Austrian refugee camp, they landed in Bern, Switzerland where they lived and worked until they immigrated to the US. In Switzerland, Zoltan was the first non-Swiss citizen employed by the Swiss postal service.

On April 17, 1958, Zoltan and family immigrated to the US, initially stepping foot in Hoboken, NJ, and then eventually settling in Miami, FL, where some other family members had already established residence. They became US citizens on October 18, 1963. Zoltan’s work career included hotel and restaurant management, insurance and real estate sales, automotive service, retail sales and apartment landlord. He was actively involved in his Hungarian church community, serving as Deacon for many years, and as President of the Hungarian Club of Miami (Kossuth Hall). Zoltan was an avid sports fan, and especially fond of soccer. In 1999, Zoltan and Esther retired and moved to High Point, NC.

Zoltan is survived by his wife Esther, sons Zoltan (Deborah, Thomasville, NC) and Peter (Diana, Portland, OR), 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Surviving grandchildren are Brandy Shewcow (Keith), Matthew Berky, Seth Berky (Emily), Hannah Berky, Maggie Berky, Nichole Ankeny (Jeff), Karina Brown, Lauren Berky and Rebecca Berky. Surviving great grandchildren are Skyler Shewcow, Aiden Shewcow, Ellie Shewcow, Nora Berky and Liam Ankeny.

A celebration of Zoltan’s life will be held Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Davis Funeral Home Chapel by Dr. Robert Ferguson. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday from 12:30 until 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in the name of Zoltan Thomas Berky. Online condolences may be made at davisfuneralsandcremations.com.

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