Joseph Madar, 108, of New Haven, husband of the late Maria Madar, died Sept. 15 at Laurel Woods of East Haven. Joseph was born Aug. 26, 1905 in Budapest, Hungary. He came to America in 1957 as a refugee escaping the Russians as they attempted to put an end to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. 

He first worked as a mechanic for Winchester Repeating Arms. He left this job after a few years and took his skills to Ekblade Cadillac of Hamden. Joseph was a master mechanic and eventually opened his own business, Madar Motors of New Haven, which specialized in Volkswagen repairs. He operated his company for many years, and during that time became friendly with Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham, both students and Volkswagen owners who used his services while attending Yale. Cars were a huge part of Joseph’s life, and he did not stop working on or driving them until just before his 100th birthday. He helped many Bella Vista residents, much younger than he, get to important appointments and doctor’s visits. 

He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Eva Nagy; and a granddaughter, Eva Folks, both of Aurora, Ontario, Canada. In addition to his wife, who predeceased him more than 30 years ago, he was predeceased by his son Leslie Nagy. 

Graveside services were held Sept. 23 in St. Lawrence Cemetery, where his wife is buried. The East Haven Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.