Ernest Paul Kiraly

Ernest Paul Kiraly, 91, a longtime Fountain Hills resident passed away peacefully on Jan. 20, 2013.

He was born in Velky (outside of Budapest), Hungary on Dec. 5, 1921 and came to the United States with his parents when he was about one year old.

The family first settled briefly in New York and eventually made their home in Detroit, Mich. Ernie retired from Ford Motor Company as an engineer and came to live in Fountain Hills with his wife, Jean, in 1980.

Ernie enjoyed golfing with a passion, bowling, bridge, traveling and he loved to dance. He always had a great knowledge and love of cars, and surprised Jean many a time with a sports car in the driveway.

Ernie served in the Army during WWII in the Pacific Islands, being awarded several medals of commendation.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean Balint Kiraly and his three children: Dwight Kiraly (Cindy), Bruce Kiraly and Marsha Balik (Craig). Grandchildren are Nicole Gossler of San Diego, Jennifer Kiraly-Beers of Fountain Hills, Cody Caress Kiraly of Florida and Nicholas Paul Balik of Fountain Hills. Great grandchildren are Carson and Cadence Gossler and Deming and Reece Beers.

His love of family, quiet strength and constant desire to learn will always be remembered and ad-mired. Services are to be held at Messinger Mortuary, 12065 N. Saguaro Boulevard on Thursday, Jan. 31, at 11 a.m. in the chapel followed by internment at the Military National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona located at Cave Creek and Pinnacle Peak Road at approximately 1 p.m.

The family sincerely thanks Hospice of Arizona for their loving care during his final days and re-quests in lieu of flowers please make a donation in his name to Hospice of Arizona.

Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.