Frank Laszlo Kopesdy

Frank Laszlo Kopesdy, age 88, of Algonquin, Illinois formerly of Chicago, Illinois, and Barrington, Illinois, passed away on January 31, 2025. He was born in Budapest, Hungary on May 28, 1936.

Frank graduated from the Kandó Kálmán engineering school in Budapest and then enlisted as an officer in the Army.  On October 23, 1956, the Hungarian revolution against Communism broke out in Budapest. He was on night duty protecting the military academy when freedom fighters came requesting access to the weapons depot, and he obliged, against orders, to support his fellow Hungarians fighting for freedom from the Soviet Union.  A few days later the Soviets crushed the revolution and Frank had to leave his beloved Hungary, not knowing if he would ever see his family again.

With his best friend, Ivan Keller, they began the long and dangerous journey to the West while the country was under martial law. Before the last train station at the border, he changed into civilian clothes to avoid being detained. They fled on foot to Austria, avoiding border guards who were ordered to shoot anyone fleeing the country.

Frank studied at Bard College in New York, before settling in Chicago with Ivan and his relatives. He graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from IIT, but soon changed careers, starting work at Chesgo Jewelry manufacturing. He eventually bought the business from the owner who retired, and it flourished, initially downtown at 5 N. Wabash, later in Woodfield Mall, and finally in Barrington.  

In July of 1958 Frank met his beloved Beatrix and they were married on the 4th of July of 1959. Together they enjoyed traveling, reading, entertaining and fine arts. Frank was an avid water skier, downhill skier and tennis player. He was always well read in current affairs and politics and livened everyone in his company with his great sense of humor. Frank was a loving and dedicated family man, always cherishing time family, especially with his son Philip, and later with his grandson, Austin, who brought him great joy in his last 8 years.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Imre and Maria (Hopp) Kopesdy, and his elder brother Imre. Frank is survived by his wife Beatrix Kopesdy; his son Philip (Rebecca) and his grandson Austin.

“O Lord, through your great mercy, may our dearest beloved Frank rest in everlasting peace. Amen."

A Memorial Visitation will be held for Frank on Saturday, February 15th, at 10:00 A.M., at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Algonquin (111 South Hubbard St. Algonquin, IL 60102).  A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 A.M.

Interment was held privately with the family at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Cemetry in Fox River Grove, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities:

1. St. Stephen King of Hungary Catholic Church - 2015 W. Augusta Blvd. Chicago, Illinois 60622  (http://stephenchurch.org/)

2.  Disabled American Veterans (https://www.ihelpveterans.org/)

Willow Funeral Home in Algonquin is assisting the family with all arrangements.

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