Obituary: Ignacz B. Kodman, 84, of Clinton

Information via Wallingford Funeral Home

Ignacz B. Kodman, 84, of Clinton, formerly of Wallingford, died peacefully Thursday, December 5, 2019, at Yale New Haven Hospital – St. Raphael Campus, with his daughter by his side. Ignacz was the loving husband of Barbara (Geremia) Kodman.

He was born in Hungary, February 1, 1935, a son of the late Bálínt and Mária Ködmön and moved to the United States in 1957. He had been employed by American Cyanamid until his retirement. Ignacz (Val) met his wife Barbara while working at Masonic Hospital in Wallingford and they married in 1961.

Val was a loving and caring husband. He was instrumental in designing and building his wife’s Small World Nursery School. Mr. Kodman was “the real” Santa to the children each year, giving gifts which brought smiles to their faces.

Val was an avid gardener and loved making wine with his son Jim each year, carrying on a tradition he shared with his own father in Hungary. He loved to cook for his family and friends and studied culinary arts. Val became a certified gourmet chef in 1977 and passed down his love of cooking to his daughter Valerie. He loved to travel and shared this joy with his family.

Val and Barbara traveled to Hawaii each winter for many years where he enjoyed Waikiki Beach and referred to it as “his playground.” He made many friends from around the world during his travels. Val was a loving and caring Papa to his grandchildren, who were always in his thoughts since their birth. He was proud of all their accomplishments and successes. He loved to show off his grand dogs, (who he referred to as “his” dogs), Iggy Valentine, who is named after him, and Oliver.

He stayed in touch with his family in his hometown village of Bükkszenterzsébet, Hungary, where he was excited to learn of a retirement home in development. Val wanted to ensure the development of this retirement home met the comfort and needs for his two surviving sisters, as well as friends in his hometown.

In addition to his wife Barbara, he is survived by his children, Valerie Kodman of Clinton, James Kodman (Paula Nessing) of Meriden, Maria Cerino of Stonington; his sisters, Izabella Zay Ködmön, Hermin Király Ködmön; his four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews in Hungary. He is predeceased by his son, George Contos; his sisters, Rozália Utassy Ködmön, Málika Kovács Ködmön, Mária Szilák Ködmön.

His family will receive relatives and friends in The Yalesville Funeral Home, 386 Main St. Yalesville, on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. when the funeral cortege will proceed to Our Lady of Fatima Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m., followed by a private Interment at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Wallingford. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory to support the retirement home in his hometown village, may be sent to Valerie Kodman, 11 Waterside Lane, Clinton, CT 06413.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.