Miklos B. Peller, P.E. age 80 passed away peacefully, Saturday, March 13, 2021 at his home. Beloved husband of Ildiko (nee Falk); dear father of Andrea Burgess Atkins (Albert Atkins), Miklos G. (Georgana), Katalina Speck and Victor; loving grandfather of Amanda, Katherine and Hannah Burgess; brother of Bela Peller and the late Eva Krecsanyi of Hungary.
Mr. Peller escaped Hungary November 9, 1956, after the Soviet invasion and came to the United States. He studied at Western Reserve University obtaining a degree in Architecture. He completed his graduate studies in Structural Engineering at Case Institute of Technology. (now Case-Western Reserve University). He was immediately hired at a structural engineering firm where within a decade his name became part of the firm’s name while obtaining professional registration in Ohio and numerous other states.
In 1995, after 30+ years of practicing structural engineering at other firms, Miklos founded his own firm, Peller & Associates Structural Engineering firm, whose completed projects can be found from east to west coast across the United States, in Canada, as well as in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. He became world renowned for freshwater and saltwater aquatic structures, as well as other complex and unique structures such as Blossom Pavilion superstructure in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. He has been the esteemed recipient of numerous professional awards including Engineer of the year in 1999 and was inducted into the Cleveland Engineering Society’s Design and Construction Hall of Fame.
Miklos’s heart was filled with music with a passion for Hungarian songs. For the past 42 years Miklos was the liturgical organist at St. Emeric Church in Cleveland on a volunteer basis. He also served as the assistant director and piano accompanist of the Mindszenty Choir for 10 years.
Always devoted and active in the Hungarian community, he enriched many events as keynote speaker at commemorations, as lecturer sharing his wide range of expertise, and with his musical presentations at Hungarian community events. In 2009, based on 600 signed mandates, Miklos and his wife led a successful appeal to the Vatican for the re-opening of St. Emeric Church which occurred in 2012. He received much acknowledgement for this almost impossible seeming task. He was recognized and awarded by the Hungarian Association, the Hungarian Veterans Association (MHBK) and the Order of St. Laszlo for his tireless dedication and received the prestigious Merit of Honor Commanders Cross award from the Hungarian government.
He was a devout husband, father and grandfather. He was known for impromptu playing of the piano with family and friends gathered around. He was a wealth of knowledge on many topics which he so gladly shared.
The family will receive friends 5-7 PM Friday, March 19, 2021 at Berry-McGreevey Funeral Home 26691 Detroit Rd. Westlake, Ohio. Funeral Mass 11:00 am Saturday, March 20, 2021 at St Emeric Church 1860 W. 22nd St. Cleveland, Ohio. Inurnment will be private.
Donations in his memory may be made to St. Emeric Church, 1860 W. 22nd St., Cleveland, OH 44113.
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Grace
So sorry for your loss.
Terri Johnson
I had the pleasure of working with Mik on several projects. In addition to being a brilliant structural engineer who mentored and educated everyone around him, Mik was always very kind and thoughtful. Every time I interfaced with Mik, whether it was in meetings or just on a phone call, I learned something new and enjoyed the time spent together. He will be well remembered and missed by all of us who knew him in the aquarium world. My condolences to his family and friends, and my thanks for sharing his time with us for decades.
Mark Chrzanowski
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Miklos Sr. He was a great mentor, teacher, and friend to me. Whether stories of escaping Hungary, ability to see rhythm in his structural designs, dedication and love of his family, or passion for music, Miklos was a fascinating person and someone I looked up to.
May Mik Sr. rest in peace as he is embraced by a heavenly choir of angels and by the warmth of God’s love.
John Kammeyer
Mik Peller Sr. was a mentor for me and so many others within the Aquatic Design industry. he was always generous with his time, even though he didn’t need to be. Every time I had the opportunity to talk with him, I learned something that helped to make the project I was working on better. His knowledge of structural concrete design and engineering practices was top notch. If I ever had a question about structural details, he had the answer. So many of us are now better designers and engineers, since having Mik as a colleague and friend. He had a profound impact on us and the Aquatic Design industry, and one that made projects safer and better built. My condolences go out to his family. God now has an angel with great building and musical gifts. And I am sure that he will use them to expand his kingdom in incredible ways. Mik will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Peace be with you.
Marta es Erzsebet Takacs
Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. The funeral Mass was a beautiful remembrance. I was wondering how I could show it to my mother at the assisted living facility. I was looking for it on Ildiko’s facebook page, but could not find it. I saw that the Mass was recorded. If you could please email me how to access the funeral Mass, I would appreciate it. Thank you.
Miklos Peller, Jr.
Thank you for your kind words. The funeral mass can be viewed on my mother’s Facebook page. I would suggest sending her a friend request (Facebook name: Ildiko Peller) sincerely, Miklos Peller, Jr.,her older son.
Michael Chatham
I was deeply saddened to hear of Miklos Peller Sr.’s passing. He was an incredible man and engineer. I know he was instrumental in early projects at HHCP like the Orange County Convention Center and Shamu Stadium. I was fortunate to work with him on the Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg Tennessee. At dinner he told me of the history of the Appalachian mountains noting they were older and once taller than the rocky mountains. He explained the tilted forms of the mountains resulted from colliding plates pressing the mountains up to the sky. That conversation inspired the roof forms and design of the aquarium. His intellect was immense and he was a kind and engaging personality. I feel fortunate to have known him. He will be greatly missed.
Mark Benn
I am deeply sorry for your loss.