Obituary of Andras Repasi

Andras Repasi, 92, beloved husband of Elizabeth Repasi, passed away on April 29, 2025,two days after Elizabeth. Andras is once again by her side, as he was for 69 years.

Andras and Elizabeth left their native Hungary and emigrated to the United States in 1957, to flee the Hungarian Revolution. They settled in Fairfield, CT to be near Andras' brothers James and Stephen, who had come to the United States in prior years.

Andras immediately set to work in pursuit of the American dream. Andy, as he came to be called, started his work life at Peerless Foundry, soon moving on to Eldorado Tool in Milford. There, as he would proudly say, he started by pushing a broom and retired as the Superintendent of all manufacturing. Andy was incredibly ambitious and was constantly expanding his skills. He took on side jobs during weekends and evenings, learning many useful trades including carpentry, landscaping, and plumbing. There was nothing he could not fix. He was a brilliant and creative man, strong, determined, and charismatic.

These were busy years for Andy, helping to raise his daughters, Liz and Violet, while always making time for family celebrations. He and Elizabeth attended many parties, church festivals, and dances with their many friends in the Hungarian community. They loved to host gatherings, which frequently ran late into the night, with Andy leading the singing of favorite Hungarian gypsy songs.

The largest venture Andy pursued was the acquisition of the Howard Johnson Motor Lodge in East Hartford, CT. Elizabeth and Andy, together with their brother and sister, Imre and Matilda (Repasi) Pleszko, purchased the 86-room property, completely renovating the entire facility. The successful sale of the Lodge, 10 years later, allowed Andy to proudly retire from Eldorado Tool at 54 years old. For Andy, retirement didn't mean slowing down. Elizabeth joined Andy in taking meticulous care of their rental properties, large vegetable and flower gardens, and many rose bushes. It was rare to see Andy without Elizabeth by his side.

Andy spent much of his time upkeeping The St. Emery's Church facility and grounds and was responsible for keeping the church organ in perfect working order. He was active with the Senior Citizen Group and ran the weekly bingo game for many years. In recognition of his many years of dedication to the parish, Andy was awarded the Saint Augustine Medal of Service by the Diocese of Bridgeport.

When he wasn't working, Andy loved attending game dinners, porchetta suppers and especially enjoyed saltwater fishing and the many celebrations with his family. He adored his four grandchildren and loved them unconditionally. They affectionately referred to him as "Papa" and he was very generous and loving. On their sixteenth birthday, he presented each with a beautiful new car. Recent years were brightened with the arrival of 10 great-grandchildren, who always brought a warm smile to his face.

Andras is survived by his daughters: Elizabeth Matis (Richard) and Violet Nastri (Mark); grandchildren: Daniel Matis (Melissa), Jackie Nastri Bardenwerper (Tad), Corinna Matis Linski (Bill) and Mark Nastri (Caitie); great grandchildren: Dylan, Chase, Peyton, Ceci, Bo, Willa, Owen, Blake, Tommy and Dominic, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Ilona Repasi and Matilda Repasi Pleszko, and brothers Stephen, James, and Ferenc Repasi.

Andy was a proud, hardworking, and industrious man whose life's journey epitomized the realization of the American dream. He came to America in search of freedom and a better life for his family. His accomplishments were many, but it is his love that will be most enduring. Andy will be greatly missed by his family, who will be forever thankful for having him by their side.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff of the Bride Brook Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their excellent and compassionate care during Dad's illness.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 6th, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Rd, Fairfield Center. Services will continue at St. Emery's Roman Catholic Church in Fairfield at 10:30am. Burial will take place at Lawncroft Cemetery in Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

For directions on how to travel or leave Andras an online condolence, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.