Mr. Francis Kolarits

NEW HARTFORD - Mr. Francis Kolarits, age 95, passed away on Monday, May 17, 2021, at the Sitrin Health Care Center. Born in Budapest, Hungary on August 9, 1925, Francis was the son of the late Ferenc and Maria (Turzo) Kolarics. He was married to Martha Towne and shared with her a blessed union of 57 years until her death in 2016. He was a graduate of Mohawk Valley Technical Institute and Utica College. He was employed as a Manufacturing Engineer at Bendix and UNIVAC in Utica. Francis was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish and a honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus. Francis is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Francis M. and Rhonda Kolarits of Canton, Ohio; his grandchildren, Andrew Kolarits and Rachel Kolarits, both of Canton; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Warren S. and Lotte Towne of Sauquoit. His extended family includes his two nephews and two nieces. He will also be greatly missed by his dear friends Joe and Elaine Furgol and Carol Purcell. Francis escaped from Hungary on his amazing journey to freedom in 1948 as the Iron Curtain was being imposed after World War II. He lived and worked in Paris, France for eight years before emigrating to the United States where he met and married his wife Martha in 1958. Following his retirement, Francis became passionate about European culture, art and classical music and made many trips with his wife to the major cultural cities of Europe. Francis was known to many as a Renaissance Man. He was also especially devoted to and extensively researched Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. In keeping with the family's wishes, there will be no public visitation. A funeral service and Celebration of Life for Francis will commence on Tuesday, May 25, at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. COVID protocols will be required at the church. Please consider memorial contributions to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Sauquoit Valley Cemetery at the convenience of the family. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Francis’ family through the “Memories” section of his obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Mr. Francis Kolarits

August 9, 1925 - May 17, 2021