Steven I Bodrogi

Steven I. Bodrogi, returned his soul to the creator on May 3, 2010 at home with his family at his side and the assistance of Hospice of the North Country. Steven was born in Tiszacsermely, Hungary on the banks of the Bodrog River July 19th, 1934 the son of Joseph and Maria (Imre) Bodrogi. Steven was orphaned at age eleven and was raised by his sisters and large extended family who devoted their resources to his education. Being the only child to receive a higher education, he was granted a Master's Degree from Debrecen University in Agricultural Chemistry and wrote his thesis on how to transform sand soil into productive farm land. Soon after his graduation a countrywide urban revolt against Soviet imperial policies occurred, known as the Hungarian Revolution. In late December, after the revolution failed and retaliation was eminent, he escaped into Austria, where after careful political screening he was granted a refugee visa to the United States. By January 1957 he boarded the ship "General Eltinger" from Bremen haven Germany to Ellis Island, New York. Leaving family and all things familiar he embraced the promise of a new beginning. He met his future wife Emmy Gaugel on the 3 week trans-atlantic journey. She was immediately impressed by his tenacity. While on board Steven decided the food was unacceptable to the Hungarian palate. He managed to gain access to the galley where he taught the staff to make potatoes paprikas and the like for 500 anxious, home sick, sea sick refugees. This type of resolve typified Steven's approach to life. Steven and Emmy raised their three children in Chicago until Steven faced his first battle with bladder cancer, forcing him to leave bench chemistry which he enjoyed and move into less hands-on work. He relocated to Plattsburgh in 1970, to work as a research and development chemist at Imperial Wall Covering, later promoted to Director of Research and development. During his tenure he developed four US Patents for his coating technology. He became a leader in his industry traveling and lecturing around the world. Steven divorced in 1989 and later remarried and moved from the area. He worked in the paper technology industry for several more years in Gettyburgh PA and Ft. Edwards NY until his retirement. He went back to Hungary and lived on a two acre piece of land where he grew cherries and enjoyed the view of Budapest. As his health declined his niece and nephew, Elizabeth and Laszlo Poth, generously cared for him, for which we are grateful. Steven will be remembered for his love of work, horticulture, downhill skiing, golf and world travel. He was a scientist by training and at heart. A favorite quote was "if one man can think it another can achieve it". Steven was happiest when manifesting an idea whether his own or that of others. Subsequent to his first cancer he suffered multiple complications which he faced courageously over the last 30 years. He was a grateful and willing subject for any procedure that would grant him further participation in life. He would want to thank the many physicians, nurses and health care providers who aided him through the years. Especially Jan Duus, Craig Hurwitz, Rich Kershen, Glenn Lyons, Ron Malseptic, Larry McCahill, and Christian Thomas. He is survived by his wife Emmy Bodrogi, three daughters: Emmy Hackett and her husband Armando Pastrana, Anita Bodrogi and her husband Glenn Lyons, Cynthya and her husband Robert Spencer. Second Wife Marianna Bodrogi and sons, Joseph and Thomas Kovacs. Grand children Brennan and Alina Hackett, Christopher and Mason Pastrana; John Lyons; Steven and Katrina Bouchard and Gizella Spencer, a brother and sister: Rudy and Margaret Gaugel and their three children: Karl, Analisa, Steven and their spouses and children.. He is predeceased by two sisters, Maria and Elizabeth. He is survived by two sisters Ilona and Barbara and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins. A celebration will be held at 77 Brinkerhoff Street Saturday May 8th. Guests will be received at 5pm with a brief memorial service at 5:30pm. Reception to follow. A memorial mass will be held at a future date at St. Peter's church. Donations can be made through Brown Funeral Home to Hospice of the North Country. Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, New York. (518)-561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.