B'ela Balint Palagyi

1934 - 2017

B'ela Balint Palagyi obituary, 1934-2017, Canyon Country, CA

BORN

1934

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary

23287 North Sierra Hwy

Newhall, California

B'ela Palagyi Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 12, 2017.

Arrangements under the direction of Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, Newhall, CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for B'ela Palagyi

Sponsored by Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary.

What is your first memory of B'ela?

Share a favorite memory you have of B'ela.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with B'ela.

Describe a time when B'ela made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about B'ela?

Talk about a shared experience you had with B'ela.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of B'ela.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving B'ela.

What is something you learned from B'ela?

Not sure what to say?

January 21, 2018

Student

David Ross

I was so sad to see this obituary...... Bela Palagyi changed my life. Im not sure I ever expressed this to him. I never thanked him for being my best teacher at Reseda High School. For listening to me. For guiding my hands in drafting and making me perfect everything I did. For getting my first job with an architect at the age of 18 in 1971. For being a mentor beyond the call of duty. For opening my mind in design. For suggesting I dream. For telling me I will make a great architect one day. For believing in me. Time passes so quickly but few people really change our lives for the better. Mr. Palagyi did. Im now a partner in a successful architectural firm. Part of my success is due to Mr. Palagyi. I never shared my success with him. My heart goes out to his family and others whose lives Mr. Palagyi changed. R.I.P. my dear dear teacher.

January 19, 2018

Student

Bret Henry

I can honestly say that Mr Palagyi was one of the biggest positive influences in my life, not only in drafting but, where that led me, not to mention a great teacher! I often think about him. He got me a job in an architects office in 11th grade. I would occasionally visit him for a few years after high school even after I went into the military and went a different direction. He certainly had no reason to wonder if he made a difference. I will never forget him. I'm very sad to hear about this. My sincere condolences to his family. Rest in Peace, Mr. Palagyi.

December 15, 2017

Student

Inna Stepanenko

Mr. Palagyi was one of my fondest memories of my time at Reseda High. What a teacher! What a Mentor he was! He got me my first job at an architectural drafting firm, which I enjoyed tremendously. Ever since I graduated, I've always wanted to get back in touch and now he is gone...I will always remember his wit, his zeal for teaching, his funny, old school expressions: "go fly a kite," "go play on the freeway." He always made me smile. His classroom was a place of peace, where I could tune the world out and just focus on what's infront of me. I remember every single detail...He just cared so much about all of us. They don't make teachers like that anymore. Rest in peace, Mr. Palagyi. You will always be in our hearts.

December 14, 2017

I have already written in this book, but I fell I must add something else. If all the kids that you have known and taught throughout the years knew you had passed away, this book would have to be produced in at least 10 volumes. I know that my life and career would have taken a much different route. Rest in Peace, and one day I'll be looking for you up there and we can about mt 10th book that you never got to read.

December 13, 2017

Student

Dan Conetta

Ever since I had graduated high school I had often thought about Mr. Palagyi and all the lasting impressions he made on my life. When anyone asks me about my career path my story always includes an honorable mention of a dedicated high school drafting teacher named Mr. Palagyi. He cared so much about his students he even dared to take the risk to enlighten us with some good-natured discipline and always squeezing the best out of each and every one of us. I hadnt seen Mr. Palagyi since I graduated Reseda High School in 1975 but on my last visit to California I was able to visit with him and his wife, Diana, back in June of 2017. It was a wonderful visit as we carried on and reminisced about the days gone by. Rest in peace Mr. Palagyi.

November 20, 2017

Christian Trujillo

Professor Palagyi was the most influential teacher I've ever had. I was fortunate and blessed to sit under his instruction for 3 years up until his last semester and into his retirement. I was his last wave of students in his architecture class at Reseda High School. He was the best any academic institution could offer. My condolences and prayers to his family. God bless

November 20, 2017

Millie Davis

My dear friend Bela. I will miss our phone conversations and occassional meets at the Reseda Reunions. A colleaque recently remarked, if you look up teacher in the dictionary it should say Bela Palagyi. Truer words were never spoken. You will be remembered as a great husband, father,grandfather,friend and teacher.

November 17, 2017

Student

Julio Alvarado

Mr. Palagyi was a great teacher / mentor and friend! He always pushed us to be the best we could be, and I wouldnt be were I am now if it wasnt for him guiding me to see the potential he knew I had!

He will always be the teacher/mentor that I wish every kid could say they had the privilege to have met, he went out of his way to make sure we had the tools, time, and guidance throughout all our drafting competitions, even opening the classroom on saturdays for us to meet our deadlines!

My heart goes out to his family and friends! With a heavy heart I want to say, Mr Palagyi thank you for everything you did for us! We are what we are today because of you!

November 11, 2017

Friend

Sherise Davis

Husband, Father, Friend, Teacher, Mentor.......Bela was many things to many people and will missed by all. I was blessed to have worked with him but much more blessed to call him a friend and for him to call me a friend. I will miss him but will carry him in my heart always. Love you

November 8, 2017

Friend

Noopy & Steve Rodrigues

Met Diana and Bela many years ago. We developed a wonderful friendship. We shared a lot. Bela had a kinship with my Uncle who was also a teacher. My heart goes out to Diana. Bela was truly a special person, and we were blessed to have known him for many years. RIP Bela. You will be missed.

November 5, 2017

Teacher

Mike Stone

When I look up teacher in the dictionary I find a picture of Bela. He is everything you want for a teacher. During my 42 years of teaching Bela was at the top of my list of great teachers. It was an honor to work with him and to count him as a friend. He will always be in my prayers and in my heart. Thank you Bela Palagyi for being the person you were.

November 5, 2017

Victor Swatsek

Posted by Victor Swatsek

November 4, 2017

Friend

Susan Antenucci

Bela and Diana have been our neighbors for 18 years. When we moved in, our kids, Alex and Mike, were small. Both are now adults and have moved out. Both Diana and Bela have been more than neighbors....they are our family. We help each other when needed. We would meet at the fence and bring dinners or desserts back and forth to each other.

Bela was such an amazing person. He was so funny, interesting, and knowledgeable. He was always keeping busy and could never stay still. He had one of the best work ethics we have known. He always had stories or jokes or just talked about everyday life.

Alex and Mike loved Bela and his uniqueness more than he knew. Jim had numerous discussions with Bela over the years when he began a project. Bela had ideas and knowledge that were always so informative. Bela always enjoyed hearing about a new project.

When we would drive home, we have to pass their house and their dumpster. Most of the time we would find Bela at the dumpster....working. I had so many conversations with Bela at the dumpster, either driving by or walking outside and seeing him. Some conversations were short, some long, but all always entertaining, interesting or heartfelt.

Bela loved his family, his son Ray, daughter (n-law) Laurel, and his grandkids very much....he spoke about them often.

Bela was truly an amazing person who always gave his best, always helped out, and cared deeply for our family. I miss seeing him as I drive down the street....as it bring tears to my eyes knowing he won't be at the dumpster. We loved Bela very much. Diana you were so lucky to have such an amazing and caring husband and he was just as lucky to have you in his life as a wonderful loving wife. He loved you so very much. We love you both.......Susan, Jim, Mike and Alex

November 4, 2017

Friend

Jackie Kuran

My friend Bela, was a nice man and a good neighbor. I couldn't have hope for more when I moved across the street from Diana and Bela many years ago. If ever I needed help, there was Bela. He was very thoughtful and kind, knowing him, I knew he must have been a great teacher, father and husband. And what a fun person to talk to! I always enjoyed the times we were able to talk about "things" and though it has been a while, hopefully, we can get caught up someday.

Diana, I love the picture you chose of Bela. It is exactly the way I remember him, always a smile. Valley Ranch Road is not going to be the same now, he is missed.

November 4, 2017

Toni Haigh

I have known Bela and Diana for many years. Always delighted to see them at so many events. Horse shows, dog shows and art shows. They were always together and so supportive of each other. They got a Jack Russell Terrier from me that was their Princess. Always loved her holiday photos where she was dressed for the occasion.
Always particularly appreciated Bela's comments on my paintings as I knew he had an eye for the nuances. Will miss seeing him and our visits. My deepest condolences to his family and especially to Diana after 50+ years together cannot begin to fathom your loss ...
Wish we closer so I could come get you more often ...

November 4, 2017

Friend

Ann Pickering

You will be missed more then you know. RIP we got it from here! Love you

November 1, 2017

Victor Swatsek

I often think of which path I may have taken had you not guided me to do better and of course indoctrinate me into the world of Technical Illustration. I recently wrote a story about the three men who made a profound impact on my life:

•My Dad, because he always wanted me to become an Aeronautical Engineer. You remember when I won the Rotary International award for drawing the Line Finder. One of the toughest things was to tell my Dad was that I did not want to go to the Northrop Institute of Technology but to LA Trade Tech. I have never regretted that decision.
•Mr. Fitzgerald, who was my first Mechanical Drafting teacher at George Washington High. He taught me speed and the desire to be competitive.
•And then there is you..Mr. Bela Palagyi, who when you first saw me probably was a little scared because after all I was at least a foot taller than you and a wise guy. You started giving me C's on my drawings and I couldn't understand this. You explained to me that speed was definitely a requirement, but quality should always be first. At the end, you were right. My personal mission statement was, quality first, and speed second. In addition, to this day it's what has worked for me, not only in my business life, but also in my personal life as well.

I just want to say thanks.

At the time I enclosed a little book, which were personal accomplishments that has the highlights of my 33 years working at Continental DataGraphics/Boeing. I knew most of this may not mean anything to you but I produced this and sent it out to about 30 people that did understand a lot of it.

I am probably one of the few pupils that actually listened to you and took your advice to heart. I've know you since 1963. That's 54 years. All the people in high school, college and even in the Army I had not kept in touch with you were one in a handful I have. Three years ago, I found one of my Army buddies who lives in New Jersey, who also reads all my books.

Thinking back, I feel one of the reasons I liked you, was that you were honest and truthful. I still have those qualities to this day. Being honest and straightforward has also gotten me into trouble. Too often, people only want to hear good stuff and not what is real. Sometimes, they didn't want to know about problems. I quickly learned about politics. I also found out that I was not going to be a good politician.

Rest in Peace my friend. You will be missed and not just because you read all my books twice. From the person who learned everything he could from you. You had a profound impact on me and you changed the course of my life.




Vic Swatsek,

November 1, 2017

Teacher

Victor Swatsek

I often think of which path I may have taken had you not guided me to do better and of course indoctrinate me into the world of Technical Illustration. I recently wrote a story about the three men who made a profound impact on my life:

•My Dad, because he always wanted me to become an Aeronautical Engineer. You remember when I won the Rotary International award for drawing the Line Finder. One of the toughest things was to tell my Dad was that I did not want to go to the Northrop Institute of Technology but to LA Trade Tech. I have never regretted that decision.
•Mr. Fitzgerald, who was my first Mechanical Drafting teacher at George Washington High. He taught me speed and the desire to be competitive.
•And then there is you..Mr. Bela Palagyi, who when you first saw me probably was a little scared because after all I was at least a foot taller than you and a wise guy. You started giving me Cs on my drawings and I couldnt understand this. You explained to me that speed was definitely a requirement, but quality should always be first. At the end, you were right. My personal mission statement was, quality first, and speed second. In addition, to this day its what has worked for me, not only in my business life, but also in my personal life as well.

I just want to say thanks.

At the time I enclosed a little book, which were personal accomplishments that has the highlights of my 33 years working at Continental DataGraphics/Boeing. I knew most of this may not mean anything to you but I produced this and sent it out to about 30 people that did understand a lot of it.

I am probably one of the few pupils that actually listened to you and took your advice to heart. Ive know you since 1963. Thats 54 years. All the people in high school, college and even in the Army I had not kept in touch with you were one in a handful I have. Three years ago, I found one of my Army buddies who lives in New Jersey, who also reads all my books.

Thinking back, I feel one of the reasons I liked you, was that you were honest and truthful. I still have those qualities to this day. Being honest and straightforward has also gotten me into trouble. Too often, people only want to hear good stuff and not what is real. Sometimes, they didnt want to know about problems. I quickly learned about politics. I also found out that I was not going to be a good politician.

Rest in Peace my friend. You will be missed and not just because you read all my books twice. From the person who learned everything he could from you. You had a profound impact on me and you changed the course of my life.


Vic Swatsek,

October 30, 2017

Doris Barela-Fossen

Bela was one of my dearest friends at RHS and even after we both left our favorite High School. His crazy sense of humor and morning jokes always brought a laugh. He was one of the finest Draftsmen and a class A Career and Technical Ed. Teacher. He influenced thousands of students over his career. We are all going to miss him. My heart goes out to Diana and Ray. I will miss picking him up for our reunions. So sad....
Doris Barela-Fossen

October 29, 2017

Karen Anable-Nichols

Bela was always a much respected teacher in my eyes. I knew him during my stint as an art instructor at RHS from 1988 until 2008, when I retired. His dedication to students' success, encouraging them to strive for perfection in the execution of their drafting designs was what I admired most about him as a teacher. His long-held reputation as the teacher whose students ALWAYS won awards in drafting competitions was far-reaching. What a treasure he was.

October 29, 2017

Norman Weiler

Bela was a great man. He will be greatly missed.

October 29, 2017

SCOTT BLOOM

" Bela is and will always be a mentor to me. As one of his "young people" , a phrase that he used to get our attention to ready us for the world outside. What he taught us was more than just drawing lines on paper but gave us guidence and pushed us to a greater level in life. I owe so much of my success to him.
I am very thankful to have seen Bela the last few weeks and had good conversation, he was as sharp and witty as ever. Know that this "young person" will carry on your mission . God bless you Bella."

Scott Bloom ( Tarzana,CA)

October 29, 2017

Bruce Gurnick

Bela was my classroom neighbor from the time I arrived at Reseda HS, in 1992, until his retirement. I knew him as a teacher dedicated to his students and the the skills he taught.
He was in his classroom, for students, before school, nutrition, lunch and after school. always teaching.
I believe he may have been most proud of the many different architectural competitions he was able to get students involved in. I could see he touched the hearts and minds of every student he had in class, from the most motivated to those who were not.

As a teacher colleague he was always available for advise, assistance, and was always a great listener. He also had his share of stories memories from Reseda HS, many of which I heard....more than once.

Bela was an important part of my experience as a teacher and will always be hold a special place in my heart.

My sincere condolences to his family and close friends. I know he will be missed.

October 21, 2017

Ken Stockton

Bela is responsible for where I'm at today, I'm an architect that has been in business for 42 years. He was responsible for getting me my first job in an architectural firm, and he continued to instill confidence in my work and knowledge, ultimately helping me to start my own business. He was my inspiration to continue to work at my craft and be the best architect I could ever be.

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

Make a Donation
in B'ela Palagyi's name

Memorial Events
for B'ela Palagyi

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary

23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321

How to support B'ela's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor B'ela Palagyi's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more