John J. Koltai

Jan. 13, 1936 – Dec. 7, 2014

John J. Koltai, a refugee of the 1956 Hungarian revolution, competitive fencer and local fencing coach, died Sunday in his Williamsville home. He was 78.

Born in Pápa, Hungary, he fled during the 1956 uprising, a nationwide revolt against the government's Soviet-imposed policies. He first gained refugee status in Austria and later came to Buffalo, where he had relatives. After learning English, he graduated from Bennett High School.

Mr. Koltai worked for 30 years at Spaulding Fiber in Tonawanda and later became a maintenance technician at Medaille College.

He learned the sport of fencing in Hungary and competed with the Hungarian youth team, the Empire State Games, where he won both gold and silver medals, and the Western New York division of the Fencers League of America, where he placed second in the 1965 and 1973 tournaments.  

In addition, he chaired the fencing competition at the 1993 World University Games held in Buffalo.

He also passed on his knowledge of the sport as a coach at various fencing clubs at the University at Buffalo, SUNY Buffalo State and Medaille College.

An active member of the community, he was an exempt director of the Hutchinson Hose Fire Department, and a member of the Hungarian American Social Club of Buffalo, a member and all-star of the Buffalo District Soccer League, and a member of the Western New York Charcuterie Club. 

An avid outdoorsman, he was a hunter and gardener.  He had a passion for culinary arts.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, the former Irene Balliet; a son, John; a brother, Steve; and two sisters, Maria and Elizabeth.

A celebration of his life will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Eagle House Restaurant, 5578 Main St., Williamsville.