Janos Havas

1934 - 2016

Janos Havas

EAST FISHKILL - Janos Havas, 81, a resident of Hopewell Junction since 1970 and formerly of Dayton, OH, died on September 8, 2016 at his home.

Born in Budapest, Hungary on December 14, 1934, he was the son of Imre and Julie Klein Havas. He and his family endured difficult times during the war, and he later left Hungary during the revolution in 1956. He was evacuated on a US Navy ship which brought him to the US. He started work at Waltham Watch Company. He met and married his wife, Margaret, and soon after began his career in the semiconductor industry at N.C.R., in Dayton, Ohio.

In 1968, he and his family moved to Wappingers Falls so he could begin a career at IBM. While at IBM, he was awarded many patents and earned the nickname, "Captain Liftoff" for a process he helped to develop. His dedication and contributions to IBM earned him membership in IBM's "Senior Technical Staff", and he developed close relationships with IBM executives.

His work was his main passion, but on the weekends he would make regular trips to NYC to visit Hungarian restaurants and pastry shops. Another love was classical music, and his radio was always on, tuned to a NYC classical station. He also enjoyed reading, and the New York Times crossword puzzle was a weekend ritual. He retired in 2002 but remained in contact with his colleagues. He was happy to meet them for lunch at his favorite restaurants, and also attended Formula One races in Italy, Montreal, and Hungary with IBM friends.

He was content to spend his retirement at home with his wife, Margaret. He was proud of his sons' and grandsons' accomplishments. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons and their wives, Chris Havas and Alison Critoph of Richmond, VT and Andrew Havas and Gift (Boonnil) Havas of LaGrangeville; his grandsons, Ben and Tom Havas; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. Please visit Janos' Book of Memories at www.mchoul funeralhome.com.