Leverett, MA – We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our father, Laszlo Martin Tikos. He is survived by his four children, Martina Riordan, Beata Tikos, Laszlo Tikos Jr., Tatiana Koski, his seven grandchildren Thomas Tikos-Kadji, Jeffrey Tikos, Rosemary Koski, Eamon McCormick, Liam Koski, Phaelon Koski, Kai McCormick and his great-grandchild Jensen Thomas Tikos as well as his sister Katalin Csanadi and her family.
Born in Keszthely, Hungary, on February 2, 1932, Laszlo came of age under the gathering shadow of World War II. He excelled academically despite the turmoil, graduating from the University of Debrecen with distinction and was appointed to a teaching position at the Royal Hungarian Academy of Agriculture at just 21. A gifted philologist with a classical education, he was fluent in Russian, German, English, Italian, and a number of the regional languages.
The 1956 invasion of Hungary by the Soviet Union marked a turning point in his life. Like many, Laszlo fled Hungary and, with support from the German government, resettled in Bavaria to complete his doctoral studies in economics and Russian literature, where he also met his future wife. During this period, he worked for Radio Free Europe providing vital translation and interpretive services. A chance encounter in the library at the university led to an invitation to travel to the United States. He emigrated a few years later to join the Slavic Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he taught Russian language and literature for over 35 years.
Widely published in Slavic journals, he authored several books; notably several editions on the Ukrainian writer Nikolai Gogol which offered in-depth commentary on the present-day conflict. He traveled widely and was known internationally for his expertise in 19th-century Russian writers, a scholarly area of study known for its profound moral and philosophical questions. He was also deeply engaged with Soviet dissident writing and brought those perspectives into his teaching and scholarship.
Laszlo was a man of extraordinary intellect and curiosity, with a remarkable breadth of knowledge in history, the arts, and culture. His sense of humor knew few bounds. Though political upheaval in his home country separated him from his family there, he built a life that he never imagined with his wife, Doris Tikos (née Backhaus), who emigrated with him to the United States in 1962. His dedication to his family is reflected in the love for his children, grandchildren and contributions to the community he called home. His tremendous charm, warm heart and capacity to connect was felt by all and will be missed.
If you wish to share condolences or would like to attend a Celebration of Life on December 27, please contact Beatatikos@gmail.com for further details.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home.
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