Arpad Karika

Arpad Karika was born in Szentgál, Hungary on August 24, 1938.  He left Hungary as an 18 year-old during the Revolution of 1956 and immigrated to the United States.  On arrival, he was graciously sponsored by the MacKenzie family of Rochester, NY.  After graduating from Rush-Henrietta High School in 1957, Arpad enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served for 24 years.  He was a Master Electrician and saw duty in Florida, Thailand, Wisconsin, Michigan, Germany, Texas, and North Carolina.  After retiring from the USAF as a Senior Master Sergeant, Arpad earned a degree from the University of Central Florida and worked as a contracts inspector at Patrick AFB, FL.  Seeking more challenges, Arpad joined the US Department of State as a Foreign Service and Facilities Maintenance Officer.  He served in Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Yemen, Hungary, and Jordan, before retiring in 2003 to Placitas, NM after 17 years of service.  Arpad enjoyed travel, history, fishing, philosophy, and genealogy.  Arpad died at the age of 82 on July 16, 2021 in the loving presence of his family.  He was preceded in death by his parents Kalman and Vilma; and his two wives, Marlyn Anne (1993) and Audrey Jane (2018).  He is survived by his sister Erzsébet of Balatonfüred, Hungary; three children, Tom (wife Janet) Karika of Merritt Island FL, Natalie (husband Randy) Kresen of Orlando FL, and Julie (husband Ebrahim) Papan of Port Charlotte FL; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Arpad’s wishes were to have his ashes interred with his wives in Florida and New Mexico, as well as with his family in Hungary.  In New Mexico, the family will hold a graveside service at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, followed by a celebration of his life at his home in Placitas NM.  Please contact the family for information regarding the service and gathering.