Pastor Istvan “Steven” Slakovits was called to his heavenly home on Monday, April 15, 2024.

A man with courage, love, compassion, and wisdom. He was very friendly and greeted strangers with a kind heart and words of grace, frequently concluding the conversation with “God Bless Your Spirit.”

The Man of God was born in Hungary on August 15, 1956. He was reared by Mihai Slakovits and Maria Roza in a home filled with love. He had one child, Irene Maria now deceased from his first marriage, and had two grandkids from her named Cassidy and Nicholas. Rosa Bueno-Slakovits was his beloved wife before his death. He has four stepchildren: Shaira Rose, Robee Rose, Rey Robert, and Milrose Mae. He was a truly loving, responsible, romantic, God-fearing, and generous husband. He’s my best friend. He loved my children as if they were all his own. He was extremely compassionate and generous to people in need. Everyone loved him, as his wife, Rosa, described him. His coworkers and friends complimented him as an excellent preacher, great chaplain, and great friend.

Pastor Istvan was an ordained pastor. A trained and experienced Protestant pastor of the Presbyterian and Lutheran\ Reformed traditions. Pastor Istvan is a well-educated man. He had doctoral and master’s degrees in psychology, majoring in pastoral psychology and counseling. He is also the assistant to the Bishop of the Hungarian Reformed Church of the United States of America. He was also a trained clinical assistant. He served 20 years of parish services in Ohio and 20+ years as a chaplain for the New York State Department of Corrections. He served as a Chaplain at Wallkill Corrections and Shawangunk Corrections in NY. After his retirement, he counseled people not only here in America but also in other countries, either online or in person, for free.

Words can’t convey the value and impact left by Pastor Istvan “Steven” Slakovits’ life and work. He walked humbly, considering it a privilege and honor to serve the people of God. He recognized that God had a plan for his life and would be remembered as a godly man anointed to serve his generation. Though he is no longer here, his love still surrounds us. We lost a loved one, but we gained an angel watching over us from above.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, April 25 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello, with a prayer service starting at 6 pm with Fr. Ivan Csete officiating.

Donations or flowers can be sent to Rosa Slakovits at 194 Old Liberty Rd, Monticello, NY 12701.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com.