Carl J. Szentes Jr

Carl Joseph Szentes, Jr. (87) passed away April 29, 2023, at his home in Indianapolis. Carl was born October 25, 1935 in Peoria, Illinois, to Carl Sr. and Pearl Szentes. Carl married his beloved wife Patricia (Pat) Monroe Girdzus on August 18, 1956. Carl and Pat moved to Indianapolis in 1967, where they raised their six children.

Carl graduated from the Spalding Institute (Peoria) in 1953, and Bradley University in 1958 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked and retired as a senior test engineer in 1992 from GM Detroit Diesel Allison (Indianapolis).

In his post-retirement years, family and faith were his life. Along with his wife Pat, he served as a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul’s warehouse operations, food pantry, and homebound clients. He and Pat enjoyed traveling and supporting their children and grandchildren in their many pursuits. Throughout his life, Carl enjoyed tinkering with electronics, HAM radios, computer gear, and all the newest gadgets. He will be deeply missed,but will forever be remembered for his unconditional love of family and friends, and generous, friendly and open spirit towards neighbor and stranger.

Carl is survived by his wife of 66 years, Pat, and their children Debora (William) Waltz, Mark (Lisa), Robert, David (Elizabeth), Michael (Angela) and Scott (Amy) Szentes, and eleven grandchildren: Hannah and Grace Waltz, Josef, Abbey, Anya, Sam, Belén, Justin, Monica, Will and Marissa Szentes. He is also survived by his brother John Szentes, Sr. of Peoria, Illinois.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Monday, May 8 at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd West Drive, Indianapolis. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, May 9 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 3354 W. 30th Street, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to add to his legacy and love for neighbor by making a donation in his name to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry (svdpindy.org/i-want-to-help/), 3001 East 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218.