Erno Takacs

1936 - 2025

Erno Takacs
November 23, 2025
Erno Takacs, a highly respected engineer and beloved family man, passed away on November 23, 2025, at HavenCare at Valerie Manor in Torrington, CT. Born on May 18, 1936, in Alsobagod, Hungary, he was the son of the late Istvan and Erzsebet (Farkas) Takacs.
Erno grew up in a small village in Hungary under Nazi and Communist occupation, until the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, when he escaped by bicycle across the border with his best friend and clothes on his back. From a refugee camp in Austria, he was brought to Camp Kilmer, NJ, and ultimately to Torrington, which he proudly called home until his death.
Erno worked his way from janitor to engineer, learning English and obtaining a degree in metallurgical engineering through correspondence, ultimately retiring from Brunswick Corporation after 41 years. A proud veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962, fulfilling his duty to his new country with honor.
Erno lived life to the fullest. He was a talented soccer player, playing in local leagues and, with teammates and friends, started Torrington Youth Soccer, coaching into his later years. Erno was a gardener, cook, photographer, and lifelong learner who loved to travel and expose his family to the world. Erno's faith sustained him; he was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary's and then St. John Paul the Great Parish.
Erno was a dedicated husband and cherished every moment with his wife Erzsebet. While they grew up less than a mile apart, it was only after Erno returned to visit Hungary in 1965 did he again set eyes on the love of his life. Their two-year courtship-by-correspondence led to a proposal by airmail and ultimately, their 58-year marriage.
Erno was a generous, loyal and caring father, encouraging and supporting his children's interests and education above all. He was dedicated to his son's interest in aviation and was an honorary member of Balsa Bandits Model Airplane club. He honored his daughter's passion in ballet, attending countless performances of Nutmeg Ballet and volunteering backstage at the Warner Theater. Erno's work ethic and perseverance were a model for his children and allowed them to go on to successful careers in aviation and medicine.
He is survived by his loving wife, Erzsebet (Kiss) Takacs, and his cherished children and their spouses: son Robert Takacs and Cheri (Neumon) Takacs of Oxford, CT, and daughter Catherine Takacs Witkop and Jeff Witkop of McLean, VA. Erno's legacy continues through his four grandchildren, Lukas Takacs, Skyler Takacs, Gabriel Witkop, and Paul Witkop, all of whom held a special place in his heart.
In addition to his immediate family, Erno is also survived by his sister, Maria Kovacs, residing in Hungary.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. Peter Church (St. John Paul the Great Parish), 99 East Main St., Torrington, CT 06790. Relatives and friends are asked to meet directly at St. Peter Church. There are no calling hours. Entombment will follow at St. Peter Cemetery with full military honors accorded.
Memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory (www.nutmegconservatory.org).
Condolences may be sent to the Takacs family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com