Thomas Zoltan Palotai

Beloved brother, uncle and friend Thomas Palotai, of Alexandria, VA, passed after a lengthy illness with his family and friends by his side.

Tom was born in Budapest, Hungary to Olge Csaky Schaut and Gene Palotai. As an infant he immigrated with his family to the United States following the failed Hungarian Revolution. He spent his early years in Chapel Hill, NC. Tom graduated from Fishburne Military Academy in Waynesboro, VA and then went on to complete an undergraduate degree in Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University and Master's degrees in Education and Computer Science at George Mason University.

A life-long devotee of sports and physical fitness, he enjoyed basketball, mountain biking, running and working out. During high school he competed competitively in tennis and won both individual and doubles tournaments. When Tom ran to the net, his reach was formidable.

Tom's early career was in teaching. Although he went on to work in computer support and networking, he continued to tutor and mentor high school students and young adults through most of his working life. He was a generous soul with both his time and resources in helping others reach their maximum potential.

Left to cherish his memory are his sister, brother in-law and nephew: Anna Csaky-Chase, Jeffrey Chase and Alex Chase of Blacksburg, VA. Tom has many cousins and friends scattered across the globe that he held dear, particularly friend Pete Stefanelli of Annandale, VA, nephew Andrew Chase of Dumfries, VA and cousin Karl Csaky of Fort Worth, TX.

Though your journey on earth has ended gentle giant, you have forever touched our hearts and souls.