Janos 'John' Papp

At Cedarwood Village, Simcoe Ontario on  Tuesday January 26, 2021, Janos “John” Papp passed away peacefully in his 93^rd year.  Janos was born July 5, 1928 to Rozsa Kobeszda and Janos Papp in the small village of Vamospercs, Hungary.  He was the oldest of 5 children, one brother and three sisters.

Janos attended Debreceni Ipar Iskola. He continued his education for Journeyman Tool and Die Worker/Machinist.  After 3 ½ years in school he received the call to join the army during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.  While in the Army he was shot and injured.  During his recovery he became the Army “Cook”.   He really enjoyed preparing the meals for his fellow soldiers.  Eventually, he graduated as a machinist/tool and die worker.  

He met his first wife, Erzsebet Szabo while travelling on the train to Debrecen to go to school. They were married February 14, 1956.  Shortly thereafter; during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Janos and Erzsebet fled Hungary.  Janos immigrated to Canada in 1956 to start a better life for him and his family. 

Once they arrived in Halifax (Fall of 1956) they continued their journey to Quebec.  Janos went by train to work in Western Canada – Estevan, Saskatchewan; he went “west” to find work in farming communities and to find the best place to settle down with family.  He later settled down in the Norfolk area because there were more opportunities and a higher population of Hungarians in the area.  He worked in Tobacco and eventually saved enough to buy his own Tobacco Farm, where he farmed for 25 + years. Janos was very active in the Delhi Hungarian Presbyterian Church over the years.  The membership and families of the church became their friends.  Janos lost his first wife Erzsebet to cancer in 1971. 

Janos fell in love with Margaret (Gizi) Papp and they were married May 10, 1972 at the Presbyterian Church in Delhi, where they had first met. Combined they had 4 children together. 

Life for Janos, Margaret (Gizi) and family on the tobacco farm was good.  Their most enjoyable time together was entertaining family and friends.  Everyone that knew Janos knew he was famous for his “Hungarian Gulyasos”.  His most enjoyable endeavor would be to be the chief cook for the annual church picnic.  He would start the large bogracs’ early morning (2 – 2’ diameter cauldrons).  He became famous for his “Gulyasos”, he even was asked to prepare his stew for other Hungarian groups over the years. 

Janos was a family man, one who loved his family, God, his friends and his church.  He always encouraged his children to continue education after high school.  His family was his world.  

Janos is survived by his loving wife Margaret (Gizi) of 48 years.  Loving father of John Papp Jr. (Marianna), Elizabeth Papp, Julius Toth (Anita), and Pearl Keba (Jeff).  Cherished Grandfather to Elissa Papp, Nicholas Keba, Mitchell Toth, Matthew Keba, Matthew Frieser, and Derek Toth.

Predeceased by parents Rozsa and Janos Papp, his first wife Erzsebet Papp, his siblings Rozsa, Esther, Margit and Sandor, and his mother in law Rosalia Toth.

The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff at Cedarwood Village for their compassionate care. 

Cremation has taken place.  Due to COVID restrictions, a private family interment will be held at a later date.  Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of H-N, the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home, or a choice of your own are appreciated and may be made directly, or by cheque through Wareing Cremation Services, 346 Simcoe Street, Tillsonburg, Ontario entrusted with arrangements.  Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared at www.wareingcremation.ca