Mr. Imre, was born on the 21st of November 1951, in Galoșpetreu, where he also completed his schooling. At the age of only eighteen he moved to Oradea, where from 1969 he worked full time for the state-owned timber company “Lemnul,” while also taking on carpentry work for the Roman Catholic Bishopric and the Basilica. He was among the oldest employees of Caritas, beginning already under Father Ferenc Matos of blessed memory in 1990. From 1999 until his last days he remained a faithful collaborator alongside Father József Rajna. There was even a time when his wife Ica and his son Zsolt all worked simultaneously within Caritas – thus, quite literally, they were pillars of our big Caritas family.

His helpfulness knew no limits. He never refused any task entrusted to him, always completing it with dedication and heart. He crafted countless windows for the former student dormitory on Canon's Row (Şirul Canonicilor), ensuring that children would be protected from drafts and cold in winter. He also carried out numerous carpentry works for St. Martin's Elderly Home and the St. Joseph Center. Moreover, he was the one who assembled and repaired the furniture that was donated to Caritas. “Through his work, he carried Caritas forward. We could always trust that his tasks would be carried out with honesty and dedication,” recalls canon József Rajna, director of Caritas.

His exemplary humanity shone through on many occasions, such as when he built a shelving unit for Caritas’ charitable pharmacy, working together with our major Dutch partner, Herman Willemsen. Though they did not share a common language, through professional skill and gestures they communicated perfectly— even without words. As a token of appreciation, the Willemsen family presented Mr. Kertész with a unique Swiss wristwatch engraved with the Caritas emblem, which later was admired by the entire organization. At the handover ceremony, Bishop László Böcskei and the Caritas leadership were also present.

“He was a man of his word, always coming up with creative solutions to any challenge. Even though we did not speak the same language, we understood each other perfectly. I will always remember his chivalrous gesture of a kiss on the hand as sign of greeting” recalls Coby Willemsen from the Netherlands.

With the attached photos, we too say our final greeting to our beloved co-worker, Mr. Imre, the emblematic carpenter of Caritas. May he rest in peace.