Obituary of Zoltan A Gilanyi

Zoltan Andrew Gilanyi, 81, of Sun City Center FL passed away on August 27, 2021 in Hospice House in Sun City Center FL. Zoltan was born in Florence, NJ to Mary and James Gilanyi on January 19, 1940. He attended Florence HS and went on to earn a BA at Lafayette College and a Law Degree from Vanderbilt University Law School. Zoltan joined the ROTC while in college and received a deferment for Law School. After his deferment from Law School, he served in the US Army from 1967-1976. He was stationed in Germany from 1968-1969 and retired as a Captain in 1976. Zoltan had a long career as an attorney. He worked for AIG as its Chief Counsel for Claims Litigation and later went on to work for Prudential Insurance and General Accident retiring in 1998. Zoltan and his wife Barbara resided in NJ and FL until after Barbara’s death in 2013 when Zoltan moved to FL on a permanent basis. He was an active member of the New Jersey American Legion Post 39 Roebling serving as the local level Post Commande. He also served on the state level as a Department Judge Advocate. He was very active in the American Legion New Jersey Boys State serving as the Assistant Director in charge of Political Activities for 31 years. Zoltan was also a member of the Railway Historic Society of NJ. In FL, Zoltan was a member of the MOWW (Military Order of World Wars), the local woodworking Club and Model Railroad Club. He is survived by his son Brian Gilanyi and daughter-in-law Madeline Gilanyi of Tabernacle NJ; his daughter Karen Costa and son-in-law Joseph Costa of Ashburn VA; Six grandchildren and spouses: Amanda and Vince Baker, Tom and Julie Gilanyi, Samantha Gilanyi, Michael Costa, Joey Costa and Thomas Costa; and 3 great grandchildren: Alexander Baker and Payton and Aubrey Gilanyi. Funeral services will be held at Gallaway & Crane Funeral home, 101 South Finley Ave., Basking Ridge NJ on September 9, 2021 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 1 East Oak Street, Basking Ridge NJ at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Legion (legion.org) For further information, or to leave an online condolence message for the family please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com