Csaba Sandor Molnar

Csaba was born in Budapest Hungary on January 23, 1947. The only child of Irma and Sandor Molnar, Csaba immigrated to the US in 1961 when he and his mother successfully escaped the communist regime and joined his father in San Francisco, California who had left in 1956.

Csaba’s brilliant mind and indomitable will got him accepted into University of California, Berkeley on a partial scholarship, where during his freshman year he met Margaret Kathleen Morris. It was an unlikely and tumultuous beginning to a lifelong love story, but Csaba knew he had found a true partner in life.

When he turned 19, Csaba joined the US Marine Corps. He went through Boot Camp and initial training, then qualified for Officer’s Candidate School in Camp Lejeune.

He returned to California an officer, 2nd Lieutenant, and married Kathy on January 4, 1969.

Csaba returned to school and completed his education, earning a bachelor of science for civil and environmental engineering in 1974, and his masters a year later in 1975.

His military career was long and distinguished. He was an Aviator during the Vietnam War and provided logistics support and training for Operation Desert Storm. After his active duty was completed, he entered the military reserve, then ultimately retired reserve, completing 40 years of service at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Csaba’s civilian career was just as impressive. As a project manager for nuclear remediation, he developed and managed environmental cleanup projects across the world, completing work on both coasts of the US and as far as the United Kingdom. Csaba announced his retirement in 2010, but popular demand for his skills kept him working until 2014.

Csaba was a great fan of soccer. He was a referee for over 20 years from levels toddler to  Semi-pro. His most impressive feat was refereeing a bout between Croatia and Serbia. Csaba was a fiercely devoted husband and father.  

Csaba demanded the best of people because he made himself the best in everything that he cared about.  People loved him for his insight or hated him for always being right. 

We are all richer for having known him.

He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sons, Zsolt and Michael, their wives Erika and Suel, and his grandson Tomi.

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