Jewish Family Service of St. Paul extends its deepest condolences to the family of Charles Fodor who passed away this past weekend.
Born in Hungary in 1936, Charles survived the Budapest ghetto during the Holocaust. He escaped to Austria following the failed 1956 uprising against Russia and immigrated to the U.S. He served in the Air Force and graduated from college in Texas. Charles had a 28-year career with the American Red Cross. In retirement, he was a professional volunteer with many organizations. Over the years, he spoke to thousands of people about his experience in the Holocaust — including taking part in Yachad’s Witness Theater program and raised more than a million dollars for local agencies.
Charles was a former JFS board member, current member of JFS’s Senior Advisory Committee and served on the local committee that helps determine how funds for Holocaust survivors are used. He was a member of JFS’s 1911 Society of Legacy Donors, and a strong advocate for the agency. Before he became ill, he offered to make phone calls to encourage financial support for JFS to current and potential donors. Unfortunately, his illness prevented him from completing this mitzvah.
Charles’ obituary touches on his various involvements and the impact that he had. His strong voice and commitment to JFS, Holocaust education, and Holocaust survivors, as well as to others in need, will be missed. If you would like to make a donation in Charles’ memory to JFS, click here. May his memory be a blessing.
