John S. Nafrady, Sr., 83, of Owensboro, passed away on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. He was born June 12, 1937 to the late Janos Istvan and Zsuzanna Nafradi in Csanadapaca, Hungary. John was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Anderson Nafrady and his second wife, Mary Carman Nafrady. Also he had two sisters, Zsubzanna Sbul and Jolan Konscos, and a nephew, Frank Sbul that passed away in Budapest, Hungary.
From the age of 16 until 19, John played professional soccer in Budapest, Hungary, until his involvement in the revolution in 1956 that brought him to the United States. He arrived in Owensboro in March of 1957 and worked at Smith Machine Company, Owensboro Sewer Pipe Company before moving to Nashville, Tennessee for several years. On his return to Owensboro, he went to work for and retired from W. R. Grace and Company. John loved to watch soccer on television and was active in coaching and refereeing in his younger days. He was responsible for building the first soccer goals in Yellow Creek Park. He started what is now known as the Daviess County Youth Soccer Association in the 1970’s with two teams, two coaches, and their assistants. John searched for sponsors (and found them) to outfit the two teams with shirts and balls.
Survivors include his children, John Nafrady, Jr. and wife Doris of Utica, Gabrielle Bennett and husband Bob of St. Petersburg, Florida, Miklos Nafrady of Owensboro, and Sandy Howard and husband Rick of Owensboro, five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
At the request of Mr. Nafrady, no services are to be held. Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Memories and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.