However, his country was in turmoil. Joseph Stalin was ruling in the Soviet Union and the Cold War had begun. The Hungarian soldiers had no power as the Soviets began to dominate their country.

In 1956, violence erupted as the Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Movement was swiftly crushed by the Soviets. Any Hungarian with a military background was suspect. Mr. Koplyay could not find work of any kind. He was in constant danger of being counted a traitor and put to death.

So in 1956, Frank Koplyay, his future bride, Antonia Anna Katona, and her youngest brother fled on foot from their Soviet-dominated homeland. Koplyay's son, Stephen, says he'll never forget the story:

They had not told their parents they were leaving. It was too dangerous. Creeping through a field, the tiny group saw the border of Austria. Thinking they were safe, they noticed a group of soldiers ahead. They thought they were friendly Austrian soldiers and began to make their way toward them.

To their shock, the soldiers were Soviet commandos on patrol. Terrified, they managed to elude the soldiers and reach Austria, and sent word to their parents.

The three immigrants traveled on to the United States where they settled in Salem, Ill.

Mr. Koplyay educated himself through correspondence courses in mechanical engineering. As his career developed, he worked with the Fruehauf Co. in California, the Hewitt Robbins Co. in Chicago, and Litton Industries in Cincinnati.

He completed his career with the U.S. Postal Service in Cincinnati, where he helped design the Bulk Mail Center in Sharonville and helped design many other renovations in the area.

"Dad was reflective about his experience. He was a conscientious man who expected you to work hard and do your best," his son said. "He always wanted better for me. Going to college was not an option. It was expected. He believed education was the best way to have a better life."

Mr. Koplyay died Tuesday. He was 77.

Along with his son and wife, survivors include one daughter, Agnes Koplyay of Budapest, Hungary; two granddaughters; and one brother, Janos Koplyay of San Antonio, Texas.

Services were held Saturday at St. Pius X Church in Edgewood. Linnemann Funeral Home in Erlanger handled arrangements.

Burial is in St. Mary Cemetery in Fort Mitchell.

Memorials can be made to St. Pius X Building Fund, 348 Dudley Road, Edgewood, KY 41017

E-mail mlistermann@enquirer.com