Ilia Pauser

March 10, 1950 – June 20, 2026

Ilia Pauser, known to many as Elijah, passed away in San Diego, California on June 20, 2026, at the age of 76.

He was born on March 10, 1950, in Yugoslavia into a large Christian family. Seeking religious freedom, he escaped communism and spent a year in an Italian refugee camp before immigrating to Canada in 1968 to build a new future. It was during this time of his life that he was baptized on September 9, 1972, in Kitchener, Ontario, in the Apostolic Christian Church of Nazarean.

On November 18, 1979, he married Katalin (Kathy) Novak in Szeged, Hungary and they began their life together in Kitchener. They had six wonderful children who were a blessing to his life. In search of sunshine and warmth, the family moved to San Diego, California, in May 1990.

Ilia was known for being hard-working, imaginative, and a talker who enjoyed telling stories. Music was a major part of his life; he loved singing, leading, and playing both the organ and the accordion.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and his six children: Silvia Koszo (husband Krisztian), Mark Pauser (wife Tundi), Sarah Wood, Lilly Pauser, Tim Pauser (wife Sibyl), and Sam Pauser.

He also leaves behind 17 cherished grandchildren: Naomi Pauser, Nora Pauser, Sandra Pauser, Arthur Pauser, Olivia Pauser, Rose Koszo, Alina Koszo, Ben Koszo, Darla Koszo, Lucine Koszo, Emma Koszo, Felix Koszo, Enzo Koszo, Vanessa Wood, Braxton Wood, Josephine Wood, and Caleb Pauser.

Ilia is also survived by his beloved siblings: John, Trian, Steve, Ana, and Sophia, along with a large network of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Panta and Katica (Folia), and his siblings: Maria, Panta, Aurel, Veronica, and Paul.