Tibor Lefkovits

Tibor Lefkovits May 14, 1939-June 4, 2026 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tibor (Tibi) Lefkovits, who died on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the age of 87, after a long battle with dementia. Tibi's life was marked by extraordinary resilience, perseverance, and love. Born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1939, he experienced hardship and loss at an age when most children know only innocence. During the Second World War, Tibi and his brother, Robi, were separated from their family. When the war ended in 1945, only Tibor was returned home. The loss of his brother and a difficult childhood in Communist Hungary remained a central part of his story throughout life and helped shape the strength, compassion, and determination with which he faced the years that followed. In 1956, following the Hungarian Revolution, Tibor and his family escaped Hungary and began a new life in Montreal, Canada. There, he embraced the opportunities of his adopted country and built a life defined by hard work, generosity, and devotion to those around him. It was in Montreal that he met the love of his life, a fellow Hungarian immigrant, Julie Oppenheim. After a few adventures and dances together, they married on July 1, 1962. In 1963 they gave birth to Robert and in 1968 their daughter Karyn was born. Seeking the best future for his family, Tibor made another courageous decision in 1979; he moved his family to Dallas, Texas. It was a choice that reflected the same determination and willingness to start anew that had guided him throughout his life. In Texas, he continued to build a life centered on family, hard work, and community. A machinist by trade, Tibi was a master craftsman and the ultimate do-it-yourselfer. If something could be built, repaired, improved, or restored, he would find a way to do it-and usually better than most. Family, friends, and neighbors knew they could always count on him. Whenever something needed fixing, Tibor was often the first to arrive with his tools, his knowledge, and a willingness to help. He found great joy in cooking and baking, firmly believing that anything made at home was better than dining out. His kitchen was often filled with the aromas of meals and treats prepared with care for those he loved. Music was another lifelong passion. He especially loved opera, jazz, and big band music. He often said he was born to be a drummer, though life never gave him the opportunity to pursue that dream. Above all else, Tibi was devoted to his family. His greatest happiness came from having his loved ones close by. Together with his beloved wife, Julie, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage, he built a family rooted in love, loyalty, and togetherness. They instilled in their children Robert and Karyn the belief that family is meant to stay connected and care for one another through all of life's joys and challenges. His grandchildren-Jeffrey and wife Brittney, Matthew and wife Maya, Katie and husband Yuval, and Lo-were the center of his world, and he took immense pride in each of them. His great-grandchildren Ezra, Eden, and Levi brought him endless joy and many of his happiest moments in his final days. Tibor will be remembered for his strength in the face of adversity, his generous spirit, his remarkable skill and ingenuity, his love of music and homemade meals, and, most importantly, his unwavering devotion to family. From the hardships of wartime Hungary to the life, he built in both Montreal and Dallas, his journey was one of courage, perseverance, and hope. Tibi was predeceased by his brother, Robi, whose loss he carried with him throughout his life, and by his younger sister, Agi, who passed away from dementia in 2023. Though these losses weighed heavily on him, he remained a source of strength and love for those around him. His legacy lives on in the values he passed to his family, the countless things he built and repaired, the meals he shared, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. May his memory be a blessing. Donations in Tiber's memory may be made to Holocaust Survivor Care at Jewish Family Service of Dallas, a cause that held special significance given his experiences as a Holocaust survivor. Contributions will help support survivors and ensure they continue to receive the care, services, and community they deserve.

Tibor Lefkovits

May 14, 1939 - June 4, 2026