Bela Haag

Bela Haag, 80, skilled mechanic, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood, June 30, 2025. Born in Jászkisér, Hungary, Bela drove a city bus and then, under pressure from a girlfriend’s family to marry, felt he had no choice but to leave (“I escaped”) the country. After a stop in Italy, he landed in the United States on December 29, 1969, at the age of 24. After his arrival in Chicago, he worked as an auto mechanic for three months and then started at S&C Electric, where retired after 52 years of service. He also enjoyed working at S&C, where he was a mechanic on large machinery, switchboxes, and fuses. He helped bring electricity to plants all over the world. One big account upon which he worked was Wendy’s Fast Food restaurants. He also enjoyed working only five minutes from home and claimed to put only 5000 miles on his car over many years. He returned to Hungary several times annually. Bela enjoyed the company of women, gambling and betting on horses, and sweet desserts. He was very proud to have quit smoking, cold-turkey, after sixty years. Bela liked to introduce himself “I’m Bela from Chicago!” and “I’m the King of Chicago!” In 1986, Bela invited only niece Szilvia, age ten, to visit from Hungary. Bela knew nothing about child-rearing and was also working the night shift, but they figured it out. They had water balloon fights, and Bela took Szilvia to Six Flags Great America. It was the first and last time she went on a roller coaster. Szilvia began to learn English and credits this her career in international diplomacy to this formative experience. As life advanced, Bela visited Szilvia and her family in Massachusetts and also last year for his great-nephew’s high school graduation in Santiago, Chile. In 2007, Bela took a four-year retirement to enjoy life, traveling to South America and Europe. After this global jaunt, he returned to S&C Electric. Bela leaves behind one niece, Szilvia Horvath-Haag, of Watertown, Massachusetts, and her sons Robert and Patrick, who enjoyed their time with “Bela from Chicago”, particularly visiting the local IHOP for the sweet syrups. He was preceded in death by sister Ilona (Geza Horvath) Haag of Hungary and parents Bela Haag and Ilona Polyák. Bela has chosen a private cremation, and his cremated remains will be scattered on Lake Michigan. Friends and family will gather for a private coffee and dessert meeting in August. Please contact Inclusive Funeral Care for information. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Bela Haag

May 25, 1945 - June 30, 2025