Bela "Bill" Zalan, Jr.

Bela “Bill” Zalan, Jr., 66, died peacefully on January 9, 2025.

Born in Perth Amboy to Bela, Sr. and Irene Zalan. He grew up in Bridgewater, where he was involved with the Hungarian-American community in New Jersey, serving as a scout leader within the Hungarian Scouts. He was a graduate of Bridgewater High School East and went on to attend Stevens Institute of Technology. Upon graduating began his career as an engineer, spending the majority of his career with Siemens Building Technologies. Bill’s hard work saw him into retirement where he was able to live his life to the fullest.

Bill met and married the late Valerie Csicseri, and the two raised their family in Bridgewater. Bill loved the outdoors and spent his free time hiking and camping with his family. He continued his involvement in the scouting program through the Boy Scouts of America with his son. He was a young widower, losing his beloved wife Valerie Csicseri in 2006. Bill devoted himself to being a dad and enjoyed the quality time spent together with his children, family, and community. Later in life he found companionship with Liz Jennison. Together they were involved with the Amazing Feet Running Club and Morris Area Free Wheelers. Through participation in those clubs and his love of running, cycling, and swimming, he completed an Ironman and 19 Marathons, including 9 Boston Marathons and 3 New York Marathons.

He will be remembered for his love of adventure, perseverance in training, and dedication to his family and community.

Surviving are his devoted parents, Mr. Bela Zalan, Sr. and Mrs. Irene Zalan, his loving children Steven Zalan and Kristen Zalan, his long term companion Liz Jennison, his loving sister Elizabeth Tobias and husband Eric, as well as his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and community friends.