Victor Bengyak, 89, of Vero Beach, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 31, 2014, at Indian River County Medical Center in Vero Beach, with his family by his side.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Eleanor M. Bengyak; his beloved service dog, Mitzi; stepson Patrick M. McCalister, Sr. (Elizabeth); grandson, Patrick M. McCalister, Jr.; granddaughter, Sharon Shelton (Justin); three great-granddaughters, Cheyanne Caudill, Alayna McCalister and Ava McCalister; a great-grandson, Neil Caudill, Jr.; one sister, Margaret Quaglietta; two nieces, Diana Rosenthal (Richard) and Margaret Schepperle; one nephew, Christopher Bengyak; Patricia McCalister (Jill), Cathleen Donner (Richard) and Cheryl Kratts (Richard); and a brother-in-law, Charles McCalister.
He was preceded in death by his parents Rudolph Bengyak and Theresa Radakovics; and three brothers, Frank Bengyak, William Bengyak and Edward Bengyak.
Bengyak was born in Jackson Heights, N.Y. and lived in Vero Beach for 37 years. He was a graduate of Newtown High School, Queens, N.Y. He was a veteran of the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. He served during World War II and subsequently was honorably discharged.
He was a retired New York City Firefighter for 20 years, serving Lower Manhattan with Engine 24 as a First Responder, before his retirement in 1978.
In lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions may be made to Dogs for Life, Inc. for the “Eleanor Bengyak Legacy Society”, 1230 16th Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960, in memory of Victor N. Bengyak.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. A private family graveside service will be at Crestlawn Cemetery, Vero Beach. An online guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.