Vilmos Pothanszky

Vilmos Pothanszky (Vili, Willie), age 89, beloved husband of Roberta "Bobbie" Pothanszky of Lake Worth, FL, went home to be with the LORD on Friday, November 19, 2021.
Vilmos was born in Budafok, Hungary on May 1, 1932, son of the late Andras and Maria Pothanszky. Vilmos came to the United States in 1956 after the Hungarian Revolution. He was forever grateful that the U.S. sent help for the Hungarian refugees. Vilmos landed in New York City on New Year's Eve, began learning the English language, and ultimately became a proud United States citizen.
Vili first resided in New York, then relocated to Fairfield, CT where he met his loving wife, Roberta. They settled into a small house in Sandy Hook, CT, where they raised three children. Vili was so proud of his home and its unique location with a beautiful view overlooking Lake Zoar and the Stevenson Dam. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown when the kids attended school there. He donated time to church fundraisers and cooked for their yearly carnival.
Vili was very social and loved being involved with the rich Hungarian culture he found in Connecticut. For a while, he managed a soccer team, the only sport he really enjoyed. Vili had a love of dancing, especially with Bobbie – his wife of 55 years. They enjoyed countless dinner dances at the Hungarian churches in Fairfield and Bridgeport and at the Hungarian Community Club of Wallingford. Playing cards was a favorite pastime and if you didn't know how to play, Vili was excited to teach you.
While living on the lake, Vili enjoyed cooking on the grill and blasting Hungarian music. He loved entertaining family and friends with a pontoon boat ride and a dish of a recipe he might be tweaking. There was nothing like "Papa's meatballs", "Dad's scrambled eggs", and veal paprikash.
In 1975 Vili and Bobbie purchased and ran the Stevenson General Store which began another chapter. He could hardly believe he was living the American dream, often reflecting "Only in America could this be possible."
Vilmos worked in the precision sheet metal industry for many years. He started with Data Products in Stamford, CT. He then opened his own business, Budapest Sheetmetal, while also working on many projects for MGM Instruments in Hamden, CT until his retirement.
Retiring in Florida was the best move Vili and Bobbie could have made, becoming active members of the American Hungarian Club in Lake Worth, FL. They continued to enjoy dinner dances, picnics, and playing cards with many close friends, fulfilling their love for each other and for their shared Hungarian culture.
Vilmos is survived by his son, Karl Sieling, and wife Cathy of Sandy Hook; daughter, Karla Mas of Sandy Hook; and daughter, Robin Smith, and husband Joel of Oxford. He was affectionately called "Papa" by his grandchildren Ashley Sieling and wife Karen; Mandie Soden, husband Stephen, and great-granddaughter Brianna; Billy Sieling; Sara Mas and great-granddaughters Raelynn and Charlie; Darcy Mas, great-granddaughter Cameron, and great-grandson Ryder; and Simon Smith. Vilmos is also survived by his younger sister Maria Magoci, nephews Eugene Magoci, John Magoci, and Andrew (Drew) Pothanszky, and niece Edith Orosz.
Besides his parents, Vilmos was preceded in death by his wife Roberta Pothanszky, his sister Ibolya Orosz of Hungary, his brother Andrew Pothanszky, his nephew Peter Orosz of Hungary, and his teenage grandson Randy Mas.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the lives of both Vilmos and Roberta will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 10:30 am at Beacon Hill Church, 371 Old Zoar Road, Monroe, CT. Their interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery in Fairfield.
Condolences can be made online at www.allcounty.com (All County Funeral Home and Crematory of Lake Worth, FL). Memorial contributions may be made in Vilmos' honor to the American Hungarian Club, 1205 Barnett Drive, Lake Worth, FL 33461.
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