Csaba "Alex" Sandor Orban

Our beloved Csaba "Alex" Sandor Orban affectionately known as “Chef Alex”, Chubs and Bugga, passed away on November 4, 2023.

Alex was born in Székesfehérvár, Hungary on June 6, 1956, and he was the eldest of five siblings. He took his role as a big brother seriously and was a source of strength and guidance to his family throughout his life.

In pursuit of his culinary passion, Alex traveled to the Alps of Austria to earn a culinary chef's degree. In his 20s, he embarked on a journey to the United States, where he started his career in the food and beverage industry at the Jacksonville Hilton. It was there that he met the love of his life, Patricia "Pat" Kowitz Orban, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage.

In 1986, Alex proudly became a United States citizen.

Alex's remarkable career in food and beverage spanned nearly 40 years, taking him and Pat to various cities across the country, including Jacksonville, Florida, Dallas, Texas, New Orleans, Louisiana, Tampa, Florida, and Athens, Georgia. He worked for renowned organizations including Fontainebleau, Hilton, and Morrison Healthcare and played a pivotal role in the development of restaurants and catering businesses including Spice of Life and Tin Lizzy's. He turned food and beverage into an art, impressing all with his culinary talents.

While he experienced life in many cities, Alex and Pat established their roots in Jacksonville, Florida, where they raised their family.

Alex's legacy lives on through his family. In addition to his beloved wife, Pat, he is survived by his adoring daughter, Litsa Rivers, affectionately known as "Punk"; his cherished son-in-law, Josh Rivers, whom he loved as his own son; his precious grandchildren, Larkin Lee Rivers (4) and Jackson Alexander Rivers (2), who brought immeasurable joy to his life; his brother, Steve Orban; his sister, Katalin McDonald; his nephew and his wife, Alex and Lindsay Jordan, along with their children, Liam (15), Riley (4), and Raegan (1); his sister, Csilla Orban; and his nephew, Robert Walker.

He is predeceased by his father, Bela Orban; his mother, Emma Orban; his brother, Billy Orban; and his in-laws, Irv and Marie Kowitz.

In 2013, Alex experienced a severe heart attack, defying the odds and going on to live for a miraculous ten and a half years. He became known as the "Miracle Man," and we will never forget how he showed us what God is capable of.

Food was Alex's love language, a way to express joy, remorse, pride, and every emotion in between. He was also a devoted football fan, and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of cars.

Throughout his life, he cherished family get-togethers, where everyone laughed and shared stories from the past. His focus on family led Alex and Pat to make the move to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to be with Litsa and her family. His final years were dedicated to his most cherished role yet – being "Bugga" to his two precious grandchildren.

Alex's legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His love, warmth, and the culinary artistry he shared will be remembered with great affection.