Obituary for Paul Kardos Jr.
Paul Kardos, 79, of Longmeadow, MA, passed away quietly on Thursday morning, December 19. He was a recent resident of Ruth’s House assisted living and had lived in the area since 1976.
Paul was a learned man who enjoyed good wine, great food, and lively conversation of the day’s issues with his family and friends. Paul was born July 16, 1940, in Marrakesh Morocco, to Hungarian parents Julia Borza and Paul Kardos, and grew up in Casablanca where he excelled in school, earning his high school diploma at 16. Shortly thereafter, he became a teacher at that very school! Paul was also an accomplished musician, having studied violin at the Ecole normale in Paris, France.
In 1962, Paul made his way to the United States, where he reunited with his father and quickly established himself as a fixture at the University of Miami – excelling in classes, directing the university choir and pursuing numerous other activities. Only one problem: he hadn’t actually applied or been accepted there! Fortunately, the dean recognized his talents and offered him a scholarship, allowing him to earn a master’s degree in 1963. He then moved up north, attending Harvard University and earning his PhD in 1966. During that time, he asked Christine Locke, also of Casablanca, to be his wife (she agreed).
During the next several years, Paul taught at various colleges and universities, including Pitzer and Boston College. In 1972, he and Christine had twin boys, Christopher and Oliver. In 1976, the Kardos family settled in the Springfield area, becoming active members of St. Andrews Episcopal church in Longmeadow. Paul was a very active member, playing the violin, leading the choir, and serving on the vestry. Paul also became a Shriner and Mason, having achieved a 32nd degree designation in the latter. In 1985, Paul was installed as Master of the Longmeadow lodge.
Paul’s professional career spanned a number of different disciplines after academia, including publishing, financial advising, and consulting. He spent the last ten years of his working life at American Airlines, where he enjoyed assisting its most important customers through their worldly travels (and meeting the occasional celebrity in the process).
Paul is pre-deceased by his brother Paul Kardos of Riverside, CA. He is survived by his former spouse, Christine; son Christopher and wife Cindy of Northborough and their children Julia (18), Olivia (16), Christopher (13), and John (10); son Oliver and wife Anya of Albany, NY and their children Henrik (10), and Harrison (8).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Paul’s family for a calling hour from 10:00 am – 11:00 am on Thursday, December 26 at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA, followed by a private prayer service and burial for family. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, https://www.foodbankwma.org/.
Paul was a learned man who enjoyed good wine, great food, and lively conversation of the day’s issues with his family and friends. Paul was born July 16, 1940, in Marrakesh Morocco, to Hungarian parents Julia Borza and Paul Kardos, and grew up in Casablanca where he excelled in school, earning his high school diploma at 16. Shortly thereafter, he became a teacher at that very school! Paul was also an accomplished musician, having studied violin at the Ecole normale in Paris, France.
In 1962, Paul made his way to the United States, where he reunited with his father and quickly established himself as a fixture at the University of Miami – excelling in classes, directing the university choir and pursuing numerous other activities. Only one problem: he hadn’t actually applied or been accepted there! Fortunately, the dean recognized his talents and offered him a scholarship, allowing him to earn a master’s degree in 1963. He then moved up north, attending Harvard University and earning his PhD in 1966. During that time, he asked Christine Locke, also of Casablanca, to be his wife (she agreed).
During the next several years, Paul taught at various colleges and universities, including Pitzer and Boston College. In 1972, he and Christine had twin boys, Christopher and Oliver. In 1976, the Kardos family settled in the Springfield area, becoming active members of St. Andrews Episcopal church in Longmeadow. Paul was a very active member, playing the violin, leading the choir, and serving on the vestry. Paul also became a Shriner and Mason, having achieved a 32nd degree designation in the latter. In 1985, Paul was installed as Master of the Longmeadow lodge.
Paul’s professional career spanned a number of different disciplines after academia, including publishing, financial advising, and consulting. He spent the last ten years of his working life at American Airlines, where he enjoyed assisting its most important customers through their worldly travels (and meeting the occasional celebrity in the process).
Paul is pre-deceased by his brother Paul Kardos of Riverside, CA. He is survived by his former spouse, Christine; son Christopher and wife Cindy of Northborough and their children Julia (18), Olivia (16), Christopher (13), and John (10); son Oliver and wife Anya of Albany, NY and their children Henrik (10), and Harrison (8).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Paul’s family for a calling hour from 10:00 am – 11:00 am on Thursday, December 26 at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA, followed by a private prayer service and burial for family. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, https://www.foodbankwma.org/.