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John Aczel Obituary
1945 - 2023
John Aczel, 77, of Danbury, proprietor of the Goulash Place, an unpretentious little eatery on Highland Ave., Danbury, died on Friday, January 6, 2023, at his Danbury home. Mr. Aczel was born in Budapest, Hungry, on September 22, 1945, son of the late John and Maria Janosne Aczel. He attended schools in Hungry and immigrated to the United States in 1972, first settling in Pound Ridge, NY. John and his late wife Magdi relocated to Danbury in 1974 after residing in Brookfield from 1973 to 1974. Together, in 1977, John and Magdi established the Goulash Place in a small dining room attached to the front of their Victorian house that has continued until Mr. Aczel's recent passing. He was a member of the American Culinary Federation Chef's Association and the Hungarian Club. He enjoyed golf, fishing, and snow skiing. Mr. Aczel is survived by a son Jeffrey, his wife Christy, and their children Isabelle and Andrew of Lanexa, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 4 p.m. in St. Olaf Catholic Church, 104 Norge Lane, Williamsburg, VA. Interment will be private and at the direction of the family. There will be no calling hours. Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Aczel
Sponsored by Jowdy Kane Funeral Home - Danbury.
Tanja St Jean
January 2, 2025
John was my landlord. He was always very nice and especially sweet to my children.
Every time we came to the Goulash place to pay the rent, he would have a Kinder Schokolade ready for each of them.
He always had something nice and something funny to say.
He was a very kind man!
May his soul RIP
Margaret M. Wilson
March 18, 2024
My condolences to the Aczel family and that Mr.Aczel was a wonderful person so gracious to all his customers. I was at the grand opening of Goulash Place when they opened (1977) it was BYOB at the time , this little restaurant opened on a residential street , it had us intrigued. Myself and a couple of friends brought a bottle of wine, I had never had Hungarian food before , from that point on I fell in love with Hungarian food . To this day Hungarian food is my favorite food and I owe it all to Mr. John Aczel at the Goulash Place . I've eaten there many many times , I would bring out of town friends there , my parents and had birthdays there . I could go on and on how much l loved Goulash Place . I will miss this place , how sad it is but at the same time I got to experience this fine restaurant for so many years . Thank You Mr.Aczel for your wonderful restaurant and for bringing Hungarian food to Danbury , you will be sadly missed . In loving memory
Margaret M. Wilson
Paul & Buni Kovacs
January 18, 2023
We were very saddened to hear of John's passing. We
, along with all of our family, went to the Goulash for many family meals and always enjoyed sharing stories with John. We had a good time when he brought Isabelle and Andrew over to our beach. We will miss him. May he Rest In Peace.
Ron & Jacki Cooper, formerly of New Fairfield
January 12, 2023
We enjoyed many meals over the years at The Goulash Place with John and Magdi (before she passed) . Scrumptious food prepared and served by good people! Thanks for the memories. Prayers for John's family.
J. Karns
January 12, 2023
Many a great meal. A true Gentlemen.
My condolences to his family.
Rest in Peace, John.
Jim Albano
January 11, 2023
My deepest condolences to your family. I´ve enjoyed many great meals at the restaurant. He always spoke proudly of you,Jeff.
Betsy Pickert Henderson
January 11, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing,both your mom and John brought a smile to our face every time we saw them at the restaurant,he will be deeply missed.our love and deepest sympathy to you Jeff and family,vo Alicia Pickerts mom Betsy
daniel p mcglynn
January 10, 2023
Jeff
We are so sorry for your loss. you and your family are in our prayers.
Your Brother Knights of Columbus
Saint Olaf council 12589
Rory Goodwin
January 10, 2023
Many years ago, we lived across the street from Goulash Place. We loved the food and the family. I missed them both ever since we moved away.
Alan Schoenbach
January 10, 2023
So sorry to read of John´s passing. Always enjoyed the food and warmth of John and Magdi since the late 70´s. I would make his meal a special occasion for my wife and myself when we would be in Danbury. Wonderful memories that will stay with me forever.
Darlene Garrison
January 10, 2023
I will miss seeing John and his motorbike at C-town each morning. Sun or snow, hot or cold he was riding. John always had a kind smile and friendly conversation. We joked and laughed when we met. I will miss his awesome food. Always an adventure when you went to the Goulash Place. Rest easy my friend. You will be missed in Danbury.
Mike Petro
January 9, 2023
John was a good friend
We had many happy times at the goulash place rest ln peace John
Mike petro. Sarasota florida
Helen Stamatiadis
January 9, 2023
I remember the great food at Goulash Place prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Aczel. He always had a funny story to tell.
Rest in Peace Mr. Aczel!
Andy Ipkovich
January 9, 2023
We frequented the restaurant and I also had my bachelor dinner there with 20 friends. Not many people came close to my mom's cooking but John's did. His restaurant was iconic in Danbury. Him and his personality will be missed.
Dennis & Sherry (Wilson) Dawid
January 9, 2023
We were so saddened to hear of your dad's passing. Your Dad was a great man. We have a lot of great memories to hold on to not just of him but your mom and when you were a kid. He's going to missed by not just us but by all people that he touched over the years.
Denise
January 9, 2023
Our condolences to Johns family. Rest in peace John.
Jeff Tyrell Sr.
January 8, 2023
Rest In Peace John. You will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know you and your great restaurant.
Denise Ludanyi
January 8, 2023
This was the best food in Danbury
Him and wife used to babysit for my husband and his sisters when they were kids. Nicest man
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