James Balogh

James Balogh, Sr., age 97, of North Huntingdon, formerly of White Oak and McKeesport, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 14, 2014, dying peacefully at home. Jim was born November 11, 1916, in McKeesport and is the son of the late Gabor and Mary Szekely Balogh. He is the husband for 66 years of Elizabeth Kovach Balogh. Jim was a lifelong member of the Free Hungarian Reformed Church of McKeesport, where he served as an elder of the Church Council, and helped formulate the plans for the new church building development, where the Free Hungarian Church of McKeesport currently resides. He retired from U.S. Steel, National Tube after working there for nearly 50 years. Jim had a 'green thumb' and enjoyed making a vegetable garden each summer; many of these vegetables were shared at family picnics and 'Hungarian bacon fry's' which were an important aspect of Jim's heritage. Jim and his wife, Betty, traveled to Hungary and Europe, and took numerous train excursions with family and friends. Even in his declining years, he continued to enjoy family events, Steeler games and parties, and celebrating his birthdays with family and friends.

Above all else, he loved spending time with his late wife, Elizabeth. He is preceded in death by his brother, Gabor Balogh, and Joker, a therapy dog who was of great assistance to him. He is survived by his son, Jim and daughter-in-law, Paula A. Pazur Dawson Balogh, of North Huntingdon, granddaughter; Gaylinne Joy Berry and her husband, Danny, of Toney, Alabama, great-granddaughter; Cameo Ray Balogh Berry of Toney, Alabama, many nieces, nephews, and family members. He is also survived by his, brother, William Balogh, of Finleyville.

Family and friends are invited to join for visitation Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. and Thursday from 1-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177). Services will be held on Friday at Noon at the Free Hungarian Reformed Church with Rev. Dr. Daniel Borsay officiating. A committal service will be held at McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery. A special thanks is extended to the staff and management of Heartland Hospice for all their kindness and care.