We are saddened to report on the passing of Tibor Lazlo Killi Snr, founder of Killis, on Thursday 29 June 2023, following a short but difficult illness.

Born in 1942, Tibor left his native Hungary in 1956 having been involved in the country’s uprising against Soviet rule, which was in the process of being brutally crushed.

Tibor started his career as a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman before setting up his business as T.L. Killi’s on Glossop Road, Sheffield in 1964. As well as founding his hugely successful cleaning supplier, Tibor also spent time as interpreter for the Hungarian national football team.

As a mark of respect, Killis announced that the business would be closed for the day of the funeral – which has not yet been confirmed – but the company will remain open as normal in the meantime in order to ‘continue the legacy of our founder and leader’.

Tibor leaves behind his beloved wife Josephine and daughter Marica, along with his sons Tibor and Imre, who will continue with Killis and MotorScrubber in honour of their father’s legacy.

A book of condolence has been placed at the Glossop Road shop and in the company’s head office in Handsworth. You can also pay your respects online here.

We would like to pass on our condolences to Mr Killi’s family and friends at this difficult time.