Laszlo Gyongyosi

Laszlo (Laci) Gyongyosi, 88 of Albuquerque, NM, died on February 23rd at, Rehabilitation Center of Albuquerque following a brief illness.  Devoted husband, father and grandfather, Laci (Les, to his American friends) was born on September 9th, 1927 in Budapest, Hungary to Laszlo Gyongyosi and Irma Bucsek.  
As a youth he excelled in school and for health reasons, was required to take up swimming as physical therapy.  Combining these skills, he entered the Budapest University of Technology and Economics as a Mechanical Engineering major and member of the swim team.  He had much success on the team, earning medals in several university meets throughout Europe.  Housed with his coach, he was required to keep high marks in his classes as well, and graduated with honors.  After graduation, he continued to swim competitively, culminating with a spot on the Hungarian Olympic Team and participating in the 1952 Games in Helsinki, Finland.  Laci continued to swim throughout his life, a legacy passed on to his children and grandchildren.
Mr. Gyongyosi began his professional career with the Budapest Subway System where he gained experience in hydrodynamics.  In October 1956, the Hungarian Revolution brought quick change, and in the course of a few days, Laci decided to join thousands of Hungarians in leaving their friends, family and an oppressive government for a chance at a better future.  
He and his fiancée, Eva Benson, arrived in the United States in February, 1957.  They were married the same month at the refugee camp in Camp Kilmer, NJ before settling in Easton, Pa.  After being recruited at Camp Kilmer, Les joined Ingersoll Rand as a hydraulic systems engineer.   Much of his 38 year career was spent developing the company’s flagship T4 drilling rig, for which he became the Chief Development Engineer and earned several patents.  His work took him to live in Philipsburg, NJ; Clarksburg WV; Orrville, OH; and Garland, TX.  In addition, he spent considerable time in India, where he established close ties with counterparts who were developing a production site for the T4.   He retired in 1995 with the downturn in the oil and gas industry and the proverbial offer he couldn’t refuse from Ingersoll Rand.  Laci’s retirement years have been full with travels abroad, cross country ski trips with dear friends, and enjoying his grandchildren.  In 2008, he and Eva moved to Albuquerque to be closer to family, enjoy mountain views, and work fastidiously in his yard.
In addition to Eva, his wife of 59 years, Laszlo is survived by sons Lester Gyongyosi of Albuquerque and Tom (Julie) Gyongyosi of Parkersburg, WV; and grandchildren Sam Gyongyosi and Maddy Gyongyosi, both of Albuquerque, Megan Gyongyosi of Snowshoe, WV and Nicholas Gyongyosi, currently serving in Fort Benning, GA.  He was preceded in death by his parents and older sister Gabi (Janus) Scheller of Budapest.

Memorial arrangements will be made at a later date.  

To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
CARLISLE CHAPEL
3113 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505-884-1188