Joseph Fazekas

Joseph Fazekas died after a period of failing health on June 4, 2010 surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was 82. Born in the small village of Szoc, Hungary on April 21, 1928, Joseph was forging, fitting, and shoeing horses in his father's blacksmith shop by the age of 12. He spent his teenage years enjoying and perfecting his ornamental iron and welding skills. During the Revolution of 1956, Joseph, his wife, and 2 young children had to leave their loved ones, a home, and all their possessions behind to escape communist controlled Hungary. With only one suitcase in hand, they paid to be hidden on a train that crossed into Austria in hopes that they would find freedom and a better life. In 1959, Joseph's dream came true when he and his family were able to leave Europe for America. He arrived in the U.S. with his young family and $178. Despite not being able to speak English, Joseph was determined to achieve the American Dream and build a wonderful life for his family. He often worked 2 jobs to provide for his family while his children served as interpreters. He found work applying his old-school craftsman skills as a blacksmith, locksmith, and a master welder. His welding skills introduced him to the carwash industry by repairing, installing and maintaining carwash equipment. In 1969, Joseph purchased his first carwash business in Rochester, NH. In addition to the carwash, Joseph also operated Rochester-based Fazekas Welding. Many homes in the Tri-City area have Fazekas-made railings decorating their front steps as well as interior rails and handrails throughout their homes. Joseph kept himself and his family focused. Hard work, honesty, family and more hard work was what he knew best. A consummate family man, he included his wife Anna, better known as the "carwash lady," his son Ervin, and daughter Suzie in his business endeavors. Sharing his vision and business sense, not to mention his mechanical skills, with his son and 3 grandsons only added to his happiness. He witnessed each of them attain their own goals of becoming 2nd and 3rd generation owners of the family's expanding carwash locations. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Anna, his daughter Suzie Vessels of Sanford, ME, his son Ervin and wife Kathleen of Rochester, NH, his 5 loving grandchildren, Danny Vessels and wife Michelle of Sanford, ME, Angela Taylor and husband Heath of Sanford ME, Chris Fazekas and wife Leeann of Rochester, NH, Katie Fazekas and her fiancé George Kostis of Rochester, NH, Ervin Elvis Fazekas of Rochester, NH and his 6 beautiful great-grandchildren Brady & Mackenzie Taylor, Cameron & Drew Vessels, and Ty & Ali Fazekas. A "Celebration of Life" party will be held at the Governor's Inn in Rochester, NH on Wednesday, June 9 from 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you take your Mother, Father, or other loved one out to lunch and let them know how much they mean to you. Arrangements are under the direction of the R.M. Edgerly and Son Funeral Home, 86 S. Main St. Rochester, NH.