Dr. Elmer Foldvary

POLAND- Dr. Elmer Foldvary, 89, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born on March 9, 1935 in Youngstown to Alexander and Elizabeth Foldvary. He graduated from North High School in 1953 and pursued higher education in chemistry. Elmer earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Youngstown State University in 1958, followed by an M.S. in Chemistry in 1961, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1964, both from Texas A&M University. He taught chemistry at Youngstown State University for 33 years, retiring in March 1996.

Elmer was deeply involved in Masonic organizations. He served as Worshipful Master of Sulgrave Lodge 696 in 2002 and as High Priest of Ashlar Chapter (Royal Arch Masons) No. 213 in 2005 and 2006. He was a District Education Officer No. 213 of the 24th Masonic District in Ohio from 2013 to 2015. His affiliations included Western Star Lodge No. 21, Ashlar Chapter No. 213, Scottish Rite-Valley of Youngstown, Buechner Council No. 107, St. John’s Commander No. 20, Knight Masons of Dublin, Ireland, and Killarney Council No. 76, where he served as Excellent Chief from September 2018 to August 2019. Additionally, he belonged to St. Laurence Council No. 49 Allied Masonic Degrees and the Aut Mori Grotto. Elmer received the prestigious MSA award on June 2, 2022.

Faith was central to Elmer’s life. He was a lifelong member of the Hungarian Presbyterian Church in Youngstown, where he served on the Session and taught Sunday School for ten years. He was also a member of the Youngstown Southeast Camp of the Gideons for 21 years.

In his leisure time, Elmer enjoyed classical music, big band music, and country music. He loved traveling both in the United States and Europe, gardening, walking, reading, dining at various restaurants, and exercising. He was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Cleveland Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers.

Elmer leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary (Talian) Foldvary, whom he married on December 18, 1965; his daughters, Valerie (Randy) Dakin and Michele (Kevin) Perkins; granddaughters, Rachel and Jennifer Morris; and his brother, Dr. Robert Foldvary. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William Foldvary; and four sisters, Helen, Ethel, Goldie, and Olga Foldvary.

Friends and family will be received on Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, followed immediately by a memorial Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.