Irene Mandity

Irene Mandity, 83 of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2019.  She was born on October 22, 1935 in Zanka, Hungary, daughter of Jozsef and Ilona Pallanek, she left her homeland and family behind and emigrated to Rochester, NY in 1956 as a refugee of the Hungarian Revolution.  There Irene met her husband Peter, a fellow refugee, and together they started a family of their own.

In 1976, Mrs. Mandity moved her family to New Port Richey, Florida.  She was the owner of the Budapest Restaurant in New Port Richey until she retired in 1993. Irene was referred to as “the best cook in the world” by many of her regular customers, and of course by her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Peter and by her grandson, U. S. Army SSG Brian Peter Sawyer. Survivors include four daughters, Irene Lauria of New Port Richey, FL; Liz Keisling and husband David of Safety Harbor, FL; Susan Sawyer and husband Gary of New Port Richey, FL; Kathy MacLenna and husband Tony of New Port Richey, FL; a son, Peter Mandity and partner Trish McGowan of New Port Richey, FL; Grandchildren: Adam, Gabriel, Amber, Nicole, Heather, Chelsea, Cody, Hailee and Sarah and 7 great grandchildren.

She will be laid to rest at East Elfers Cemetery next to her husband, Peter Mandity. A Graveside Service will be held June 30, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness, FL.