Born in Budapest on December 5, 1931, Peter Endre Korda peacefully drew his final breath on March 9, 2020 after a sudden, non-COVID illness. He was surrounded by his family.
Peter survived World War II and Stalin before escaping to the west during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Moving to Columbus, Ohio in 1960, he led a life of professional success: a Ph.D. and tenured professorship at Ohio State and the founding of Korda/Nemeth Engineering. He grew his firm to over 100 professionals and played a key role in transforming the skyline of Columbus, the campus of Ohio State, and many dozens of locations around the globe. He continued to be active post-retirement as an expert witness and a member of the Building Standards Board of the state of Ohio.
Peter was involved in the broader community throughout his life, most notably as a Charter member of the Upper Arlington (OH) chapter of Rotary International and as the first Life Member of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. He quit skiing at age 84, but at 88 he still played bridge regularly and tennis four days a week. He earned Life Master standing in bridge; in tennis, his enthusiasm far outstripped his accomplishment.
Peter was proudest of the family that surrounded him on his final days. He and his wife, Edith, met while students in Budapest, married in 1954, and were soon to celebrate their 66th anniversary. He is survived by Edith; children Kathy, Doris (Dan), Peter (Beth), and Niki; and grandchildren Alix, Sam, Meredith, and Brian.
Peter was the kind of person who probably would have written his own obituary – especially if he’d been told it was against the rules. Those who knew him best will remember his unwavering principles and integrity, his love of games and puzzles, his warmth and easy laughter, and his devotion to his family.
The family requests that, in lieu of gifts, donations in his memory be made to Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio.
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Celia crossley
Peter will be missed. A great person with a wonderful family.
Dick Stone
Peter followed me as President of UA Rotary. We became good friends and skied together on our trips to Aspen. I should not have said “skied together” as Peter grew up skiing in Hungary his home before family moved to USA. He left me behind going down the slopes. We have missed Peter at our weekly Rotary lunches. Always had something interesting to talk about especially during our Aspen cocktail hours. We played Bridge after dinner and no one was better at that than Peter. I will always have good memories being with Peter. I knew, too, I could not out last him when we got to talking Politics. dick
Jerry Darnell
Peter brought serious thought, ideas and insight to our book discussions and dinner conversation. He was always looking for ways to contribute to our society.
Alice Davis, Sissy Hettinger
Dearest Edie..Sissy and I just read about Peter in the paper. We were shocked and saddened by your loss. We both know what it’s like to have it happen so quickly. We all have so many good memories with our group. Just know we are thinking about you and your family at this time. With love Alice and Sissy
Joe Caruso
I met Peter on the Northam Park tennis courts 7 or 8 years ago and had the pleasure of playing tennis with him many times before he and Edith moved to Hilton Head. In the few years I knew him he impressed me with his ability to be most competitive and yet be a gentleman in all respects. I also recall that during a challenging period in my life while I went through cancer treatment, Peter took the time to visit and to encourage. These qualities in him are uncommon. I pray you let the Lord carry you in your loss.
Katy Kram, widow of Bert Kram
Another member of the Muller Book Club has passed on. I enjoyed being with Peter and Edith at annual January dinners at the Scioto Country Club.
My condolences to you, Edith and to your family. He was a grand gentleman.
Bill Lantz
I knew Peter as a professor, an employer, and a competitor. Peter was a remarkable man. He will be missed.
Alex Litofsky
Dear Edith,
I am so saddened to have learned of Peter’s passing. Peter was a wonderful mentor to me in college through Engineers Without Borders. I appreciated the warmth with which you and he welcomed our project team into your home. His mentorship helped define for me what it means to be engineer and person of integrity and has shaped my career ever since. I am sad I wasn’t able to thank him again for the difference he made in my life. I know he is missed by many. My deepest sympathy for you and your family.
Bill Wirsching
Dear Edith:
I am so saddened to learn of Peter’s passing. I worked at the office in Columbus, OH., while he was there. When he left there was an empty spot. It was always nice to chat with him and share the information he had to share. My deepest sympathy to you and the family.
John Michael Currie
I am very late in offering my condolences. Peter would not have minded. I was so very lucky to work with Peter during my five years at NBBJ in Columbus. He was wonderful in every way. I recall he also wanted to be an astronaut. There are too few gentlemen in our world. Fewer now.
John Michael Currie FAIA RIBA