Kalman L. Borbely

Kalman L Borbely; “Buddy” passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023, at the age of 81 years old. Buddy is survived by his enchanting wife of fifty-eight years marriage; Wendy. He leaves behind his children: devoted daughter Morgan known as his “munchkin,” and his fishing buddy and son in law Chris, his son Matthew and daughter in law Jenn. His pride and joy three grandchildren; Michael, Alexys, and Ace. His older sister Carol (John) Thilmont and sister-in-law Robin Webber. Proceeded in death his parents Kalman and Mary Borbely, his dog Shadow and three cats: Smokey, Tigger, and Pepper. 

Buddy had a tool or gadget for everything and sometimes multiples of the same thing, and with his incredibly detailed organization he knew where everything was always and if he did not have it, he would make something to make it work.  He was obsessed with his impressive collection of wild tee shirts and hats with inappropriate sayings that would stop people in their tracks to inquire where they could find that shirt or hat. He would have long conversations with random strangers and Wendy would be waiting at the door because she had already checked out. His family would say he would be the perfect Walmart greeter. To have Buddy as a friend or family member you always knew he would have your back with his aviator sunglasses, his gun strapped to his hip, Hungarian Arms tattoo on his shoulder, his stronger demeanor stance at times would think a Mob Boss was in the room, especially if he had his suit on and his cousin Michael with him, or you would say the Blues Brothers have arrived.  Buddy always made an impression on everyone he met and formed some amazing lasting friendships to the end.   His daughter, Morgan and he had their own language and hand signals at times driving Wendy crazy with their antics. They were notorious for their fake fighting and pretending one was hurt so the other would get in trouble when Wendy would come around the kitchen corner. Once the grandkids started playing along, Wendy did not stand a chance at times they both loved every minute of it with a house full of laughter. The grandkids got him an Alexa for Christmas and every night at 6pm, Alexa comes on and says, “We love you Papa and Grandma Kitties”, it truly became the favorite part of their evening.  

Buddy was a proud Hammond Tech “Tiger” graduate, he worked 37 years at Inland Steel 1 & 2 Cold Strip, Trucking and #3 Cold Strip East retiring in 2000 just in time for his next chapter to begin as a grandfather. He had a passion for all sports. His favorite teams were the Chicago Bears, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Chicago Blackhawks he also enjoyed watching the Little League Baseball tournaments during the summer. Before becoming a parent, one of the best times of his life was being a Hockey Coach for the Hammond Blackhawks (71,72,73 and 74), Title Year 1973 and Erikson Knights League winning six titles including a 53-game streak. His other passions included fishing and a memorable catch was 2, 20lb steelheads, teaching his grandchildren who he adored and was so proud of how to play pool, showing his thrill for fireworks, guns, model trains and cars and his love for tigers. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his adventurous wife, making new friends along the way, and table #23 gang for weekly meals at their favorite restaurants. 

Please join his family to share memories and celebrate his life on Saturday; November 4, 2023; Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 8955 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN. Visitation at 10am and service beginning at 11am, and Lunch will follow. 

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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