Andrew F. Pothanszky

Hungarian

Freedom Fighter

Andrew F. Pothanszky, 74, beloved husband of Helen Kennedy Pothanszky of Bridgeport, died January 30. The son of Andras and Irma Unyi Pothanszky, he was born in Budafok, a suburb of Budapest, Hungary.

His memory will be cherished by his wife and son; and siblings including Vilmos Pothanszky, and his wife, Roberta, of Sandy Hook.

A “Freedom Fighter,” he came to America during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 and proudly became a United States citizen. A tool and die maker by trade, he went into his first business with a friend in the early 1960s.

He obtained a private pilot’s certificate, and was rated for twin engine and instruments. Mr Pothanszky created a corporation that taught want-to-be pilots, gave instrument training to those who were already pilots, and performed avionics and maintenance work on many small aircraft. His company was responsible for the construction of Sikorsky Airport’s first two privately financed and owned hangars.

A Mason, Mr Pothanszky was a member of the Fidelity St John’s Lodge in Fairfield, as well as being a member of the Scottish Rite, and a Shriner at the Pyramid Temple in Milford.

Funeral services were held February 2.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607.

The Newtown Bee        February 6, 2009