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Tibor J. "Tibby" Polyak

Tibor Joseph "Tibby" Polyak passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 93, on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.

Known by his family and friends as Tibby, he was a resident of Plum Borough most of his life.

Born in Budapest, Hungary on March 14, 1933, Tibby experienced an extraordinary childhood, living through the Nazi Occupation of Hungary and witnessing firsthand many atrocities associated with the war and the Holocaust. After the war, Hungary transitioned to a Soviet satellite state, which led to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Now a young man, Tibby again saw unimaginable horrors during this brutal clash and eventually escaped Hungary at risk of death to begin his journey to the United States. Having spent the early part of his life under Soviet and Nazi Germany rule, his profound appreciation for the rights and privileges that we enjoy as Americans led to a level of patriotism that was evident to everyone who knew him.

He was an incredibly skilled machinist by trade and served as superintendent at Cromie Machine and Tool for most of his career. His ability to build, fabricate, or repair almost anything was the stuff legends are made of and his willingness to put those skills to work to help a family member, neighbor, or a friend was widely known.

With a tremendous respect for nature, Tibby was most at peace in the woods, and saying that he was an avid hunter was an understatement. In later years, he was just as happy to venture into the woods armed only with a camera, bringing home pictures or very long videos that he was all too happy to share with his family.

Tibor was most proud of his daughter and her family and was an especially loving and generous grandfather and great-grandfather. The mere presence, mention, or even a picture of any of them brought him immense joy.

Tibby's memory will be cherished by his daughter, Heather (Michael) Joos; his grandson, Steven (Natalie) Joos; granddaughter, Drew (Max) Noroski, and his four great-grandchildren, Grant, Michael, John, and Macy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jozsef and Ilona (Kiss) Polyak; and his loving wife of more than 50 years, Meredith (Nale) Polyak who passed away on March 29, 2015.

Family and friends will be received from 4 to 7 PM on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at the Bauer Funeral Home, 515 N. McKean Street, Kittanning, PA.

Interment will be in Plum Creek Cemetery in Allegheny County, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tibby's memory to a charity of one's choice.

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