Joseph John Jarfas (Járfás Jozsef Jánós), Equinunk, PA died on Saturday, August 15 after a brief illness. Born May 8, 1936 in Szombathely, Hungary, he left his native country in 1956 for Germany and moved to the United States in 1961.
He completed electronics training at RCA Institute and went to work for IBM, the company he retired from after 30 years of service. He married his wife of 47 years Judith Stauffer Jarfas in 1968.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Josephine Jarfas Smidt, J. Jeffrey Jarfas, and Jenine Jarfas Cleary (Joseph), and grandchildren: Avery Smidt, Esther Smidt, Daniel Cleary and Meghan Cleary. He was the oldest of six brothers and sisters who survive him in Hungary including: Marika, Klara, Janos, Anna, Laszlo, and his many nieces and nephews.
Joe was an avid genealogist and records historian. He used his knowledge of German, English and Hungarian to provide document translation for other researchers. He had many friends across the globe through his internet research.
He was capable of fixing just about anything and would rather order parts than buy something new. He had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed the chance to laugh.
The family will receive friends at Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home 34 Upper Main St. Callicoon, NY on Wednesday from 5-8 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Church in Callicoon on Thursday, August 20 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to the North Country Mission of Hope, PO Box 2522, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 in memory of Joseph Jarfas to provide help and care to Nicaraguans. More information can be obtained from their website www.ncmissionofhope.org.
The family knows that Joe has touched lives of so many people near and far. It would be difficult to gather together all of the people who he has touched. Please tell a joke or say a prayer in his honor.