OBITUARY

LÁSZLÓ HÁMOS
The American Hungarian Library and Historical Society, President

It is with great sadness that the Board of Trustees of the American Hungarian Library and Historical Society announces the passing of László Hámos, the President of our Library. László, passed away in New York City on April 16, 2019 after courageously fighting a long illness. He was surrounded by his family, whom he loved so dearly. He is survived by his wife – and fellow trustee - Zsuzsa, children Julia and Daniel, parents Margit and Otto, brother Árpád, extended family and countless dear friends throughout the world.

Mr. Hámos, was born in Paris on June 22, 1951 to Hungarian parents. He was President of the American Hungarian Library for several decades, a position he assumed from his father, Dr. Otto Hámos, an original founding member in 1955 and current Honorary President. The Library is a co-owner of the Hungarian House in New York City and László worked tirelessly to preserve and maintain this physical Hungarian cultural institution in the City. He was a driving force in numerous other Hungarian-American organizations, always keeping the fate of ethnic Hungarian minorities living in the Carpathian Basin in the forefront. This important work he accomplished by co-founding and leading the Hungarian Human Rights Foundation for the past four decades. László’s commitment to serving a wide variety of Hungarian causes was unmatched, and his accomplishments on behalf of these causes recognized on both continents.

László touched many lives, both directly and indirectly. He leaves an enduring legacy of leadership, vision and pragmatism that will inspire and benefit many generations to come. A community leader, protector and promoter of Hungarian culture, the entire Hungarian nation mourns his sudden passing.

We at the American Hungarian Library are grateful for his leadership. He steered the Library and the Hungarian House through difficult times to preserve them as bastions of Hungarian culture in North America. While we will strive to honor his memory, we recognize that he is leaving behind an unfillable void.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 20 between 10 am and noon at the Barrett Funeral Home (148 Dean Drive, Tenafly, NJ 07670. www.barrettfuneralhome.net). Interment will follow at 1 pm in Brookside Cemetery (425 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ 07631. https://www.brooksidecemetery.net/). A memorial gathering will be held at the Hungarian House in New York City at a later date.

Directors of the American Hungarian Library and Historical Society April 17, 2019