Joseph Bela Lendvay-Zwickl

Joseph Bela Lendvay-Zwickl—known to friends as Joe and to his soccer family as Jóska—passed away on December 15, 2025, at the age of 80. He lived a full and adventurous life, and he did it with charm, wit, and a twinkle in his eye.

Born in Szeged, Hungary on September 28, 1945, Joe made the journey to Canada by ship in 1956—a voyage that marked the beginning of a life defined by curiosity and an insatiable appetite for new experiences. He earned two university degrees, including a Master's in Geography, and had a long and distinguished career in the public service.

Joe was a Renaissance man in the truest sense. He piloted planes through the clouds, captained ships across the water, dominated soccer fields, conquered squash courts, hacked his way across many golf courses, and plotted chess strategies that left opponents baffled. When he wasn't mastering the skies, seas, and soccer pitch, he looked to the stars as an amateur astronomer, contemplating the cosmos with his trusty telescope. And to capture the beauty he saw in life, he put pen to paper as a poet, philosopher, and author. Deep down, Joe was a romantic who felt that the quiet moments of connection and contemplation were often the most fulfilling.

For 51 years, Joe shared his extraordinary life with his beloved wife, Judy. Together they built a family filled with love, laughter, and no shortage of stories. He was a devoted father to Matthew (Maria Pienkowski) and Jeremy (Julie Lalonde), and a doting grandfather to Owen, Brody, Fiona, Alice, and Lucy, who will carry forward his legacy of curiosity, kindness, and joy. Joe also had a special place in his heart for his dogs Bailey and Izzy.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Elizabeth Lendvay-Zwickl, and is survived by Judy, his sons and daughters-in-law, his five grandchildren, his extended family, and his many dear friends whose lives he touched with his warmth, humour, and generous spirit.

The world was undeniably a better place with Joe in it. He will be sorely missed, fondly remembered, and never forgotten.

Judy and the family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Queensway Carleton Hospital’s Alternative Level of Care (ALC) unit at Park Place for the wonderfully compassionate care he received at the end of his life’s journey.

A celebration of Joe’s life will take place in the new year. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joe’s memory to the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation.