Frank Barabas Sr., age 82, of East Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 14, 2022 in East Haven with his loving wife by his side. He was born on March 8, 1939, in Budapest, Hungary. After taking part as a Freedom Fighter in the 1956 Hungarian uprising, he arrived in the United States at the age of 17.  He signed up with the US Army at age 18, where he earned a place as a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division, and 82nd Airborne Division, and went on to fight in the...

Frank Barabas Sr., age 82, of East Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 14, 2022 in East Haven with his loving wife by his side. He was born on March 8, 1939, in Budapest, Hungary. After taking part as a Freedom Fighter in the 1956 Hungarian uprising, he arrived in the United States at the age of 17.  He signed up with the US Army at age 18, where he earned a place as a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division, and 82nd Airborne Division, and went on to fight in the Vietnam War. Frank worked for over 50 years as a heating and cooling technician and contractor, starting out at the Connecticut Refining Company, and eventually starting his own business, Unique Heating and Cooling.

Frank was known for his patience and kindness, and love for his family. He rarely was seen without a smile and was loved by so many. Carlene and Frank loved and raised numerous children in their home, in addition to their biological children. While there was nothing he wouldn’t do for anyone in need, his love of family trumped everything else. Frank is preceded in death by his father Jozsef Barabas; his mother Rozalia Marton Barabas; siblings Jozsef Barabas, Rozalia Vasmatics (Boldizsar), Sandor Barabas (Maria), Lajos Barabas (Klara); and his son Frank A. Barabas Jr. Frank is survived by his wife, Carlene Barabas; his sister Zsuzsa Konrad (Antoline); his children:  Lillian Lavenberg (Randy), Susan Palma (Todd), Cherie Jewell (Leonard), Richard Barabas (April); sister in law Doreen Wheeler Demeyer; brother in law Jeff Wheeler (Nancy); nephew Dane Wheeler; 14 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and many other family members, honorary and otherwise that had the honor of calling him father or grandfather, all of whom he loved dearly. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 from 6:00- 9:00 PM at the Celentano Funeral Home, 424 Elm St., New Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 355 Foxon Rd., East Haven Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at 11:00 AM. Interment in All Saints Cemetery.  A celebration of Frank's life will be held at future date. To leave a condolence please visit www.celentanofunralhome.com.