Sergije Urukalo

Sergije Urukalo, affectionately known by others as Braco, Braz, and, once his first grandchild was born, Deda or Djed (Serbo-Croatian for grandfather), peacefully left this world on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the age of 86, in Bee Cave, Texas.

Deda was born on October 19, 1937, in Sibenik, Croatia, Yugoslavia, the middle child of Milan and Ana ‘Danka’ (Skiljo) Urukalo. He spent his childhood in Benkovac, Croatia. He attended elementary school in Benkovac, and high school in Zadar, Croatia (the nearest high school). Some of his favorite childhood memories involved time spent at the nearby Adriatic Sea, especially in Karin.

After high school, Deda moved to Belgrade, Serbia, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Belgrade. Subsequently, he served his mandatory term in the Yugoslav National Army (JNA), in Zagreb, Croatia. After his military service, he was hired by Shipyard Sava in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia, and this became his new home. There, he met and fell in love with Jovanka ‘Joja’ Radojevich, a young dentist, asking for her hand in marriage after only 2 months of dating. They were married in Belgrade, Serbia, in 1967, and welcomed their children Ana, in 1968, and Milan, in 1971. Deda’s first child, however, was Natasa, born in 1966, with whom he shared a warm relationship in recent years.

During his tenure at Shipyard Sava, Deda quickly advanced to various director positions, including Technical Director and Commercial/Business Director. In the latter role, he enjoyed traveling the world to negotiate contracts for, and subsequently deliver, newly manufactured ships to clients. Some of his most memorable destinations were Russia, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, most of the Eastern Block of Europe, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Middle East including Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait. Deda relished bringing back treasures to family and friends from his travels. His generosity was genuine and abundant.

In 1984, the Urukalo family immigrated to The United States, with help and support from Joja’s brother Milos ‘Mike’ Radojevich, and thus began their new chapter. This chapter was dedicated to offering Ana and Milan the opportunity to attain the American Dream, but this decision came with no shortage of sacrifice. Deda traded in his lifestyle of world travel, chauffeurs, and being ‘wined and dined’, and his Joja gave up her dentistry career, to enable a brighter future for their children. The family happily became citizens of the United States of America in 1990.

His proudest moments included marrying Joja; becoming a father; immigrating to the U.S.A.; watching his children succeed; financing a family trip for the secondary wedding for Milan and Courtney in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia; the births of his grandchildren; supporting Joja in her quest to compete in a marathon in each U.S. state; attending nephew (and namesake) Serge’s wedding in Hawaii alongside his brother and extended family, and reuniting with his eldest daughter Natasa and her family. His ultimate joy was spending time with his family.

When Joja became terminally ill in 2004, Deda immediately retired to become her loving caregiver for a very challenging 18 months, until death temporarily separated them.

Following the loss of his beloved Joja, Deda poured all of his energy into his children and grandchildren. Deda also reconnected with his eldest child, Natasa, and her family. In 2022, he became a great-grandfather.

Deda spent his remaining years with family, occasionally traveling back home to Serbia and Croatia, as well as vacationing with his children and grandchildren in the Caribbean and Colorado. Tragically, his final visit to Serbia and Croatia, in 2019, was a result of the untimely loss of his beloved brother and best friend, Vladimir.

In 2022, early-stage Lewy Body dementia prompted a move to Assisted Living, his last earthly home. He instantly charmed the staff and residents alike, earning yet another nickname, ‘Romeo’. Deda especially adored greeting the ladies, kissing their cheeks, and calling them ‘film’s actor’, which was sure to bring a smile to every face. The outpouring of love, prayers, tears, and tender care that he was covered with in his waning days was overwhelming, yet treasured by all.

Deda’s final days were spent surrounded by family, visiting from near and far and on video calls, who showered him with love, snuggles, familiar songs, funny stories, and precious, precious time. He left this world to reunite with his precious Joja, and others who went before him, with comfort and dignity. The Urukalo Family will be forever grateful to all of those who made his life special, right until he took his final breath.

Deda is survived by his children: Natasa (Aleksandar) Lalovic of Belgrade, Serbia; Ana Urukalo, and Milan (Courtney) Urukalo of Lakeway, Texas; his grandchildren Vladimir Lalovic, Isidora (Bojan) Gacesa, and Brianna, Nick and Ryan Urukalo; his great grandchildren Niksa and Sofija; his sister Bogdana Desnica, and children Olga and Danilo Desnica of London, England; sister-in-law Dusanka and children Sergije (Shannon) and Nikola Urukalo of Belgrade, Serbia and Lakeway, Texas; grandnephew Anson Urukalo, and beloved extended family, in Serbia, Croatia and the U.S.A.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, and many other relatives and friends.

Deda will be greatly missed, but his legacy of love and his Deda-isms will keep him in our hearts and our presence, always.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 12:00 noon, at St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Parish, located at 214 Amandas Way, Leander, TX, 78641.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that you consider a donation in Deda’s honor, to the St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Parish, or the ALS Association, a cause near Deda’s heart, due to Joja and his Mom succumbing to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).