Julius P. Rakus, 94, of Bridgewater, NJ, passed away peacefully on October 4 in Morristown, NJ.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, to Gyula and Zelma Rakusz, Julius attended Budapest Technical University, and attained degrees in Organic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. He married Elvira Oswald, and together in 1956, hidden in a railroad freight car, they escaped the communist regime after the failed Hungarian revolution. After crossing the Alps, they settled first in Rouen, France, and then two years later in New Jersey. He and Ellie began their lives in America living in Elizabeth and working for Allied Chemical in Morristown, NJ.

Moving to Basking Ridge in 1962, Julius was a charter member of the newly-formed Somerset Hill Lutheran Church, for which he also served as an Elder and Council President in later years. Following his career at Allied, Celanese, Dart, and Alpha Chemical, he retired and relocated to Bridgewater, NJ.

Immensely dedicated to his family, he was always the central figure at gatherings. Always curious, he was a voracious reader, and a passionate life-long learner in a wide range of subjects. He travelled extensively in his adopted USA and abroad, and he loved Hungarian food and lively conversation. A speaker of four languages, he also translated chemical-industry papers for his employers. An accomplished stamp collector, his various creative hobbies kept him mentally active in retirement.

Julius is predeceased by his wife Ellie, and survived by his three children, Julius "Jules" (Susan) of Madison NJ, Georgina "Gina" Baldan of Bridgewater NJ, and Paul (Wendy) of Pittsburgh, PA., and his grandchildren Danielle Ghanti (Neil) of St. Louis, MO., Stephen Rakus (Josie) of Canonsburg, PA., and Richard Rakus (Daniela) of Old Bridge, NJ.

A small private service is planned for family only. Donations can be made to Somerset Hills Lutheran Church.