Branko Bill Cucuk

Bill was born on November 1, 1926 in Fresno CA. He attended Lone Star Elementary School and Sanger High School. Following high school, Bill proudly served in the United States Army. His military career was short because the war came to an end while he and 5000 other troops were in route to Japan. While stationed in Japan, Bill was promoted to Staff Sargent of Communications. He served on the base working directly for the General until his honorable discharge in 1947.

Once home, Bill was grateful for the GI Bill that allowed him to attend Fresno State. He graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Viticulture. During his college years, Bill joined the Chi Beta Alpha ag fraternity where he met other “farm boys” who became lifelong friends. At Fresno State, Bill met Georgia Rogers. Georgia turned out to be the love of his life. They both graduated in May 1951 and were married on July 14, 1951.

After college, Bill sold insurance and Georgia taught school. Together they saved enough for an 18-acre farm on Fowler Avenue where they raised a family and lived their entire lives. Bill farmed while working as a social worker then as Director of Intake at the Fresno County Welfare Office. His family recalls how Bill would come home from the office, eat dinner, change his clothes, then head out to work the farm. In the evenings and on weekends, Bill would fertilize, irrigate and harvest his grapes/raisins. There were many nights where the kids fell asleep to the comforting sound of Dad driving his tractor through the fields.

Bill strongly believed in community service. He was a board member for the Chi Beta Alpha and Phi Sigma Kapa Fraternities, Co-President of the Fresno Downtown Exchange Club, served on the Sun Maid Advisory Board, was treasurer for Fresno Cancer Society where he also served on several committees that organized large fundraising dinner events, and in the early 60s he was elected as the first male President to the Lone Star PTA. Bill was also a member of the Fresno County Farm Bureau and a Clamper. In addition to this, Bill was an active church member at Saint Peter’s Serbian Orthodox Church where for 2 years he was President of the church board. Bill was also a founding board member of the St. Peter’s Men’s Club.

Bill and Georgia enjoyed life to the fullest. They were proud Red Wavers and devoted Fresno State fans. They shared a love for travel. Many memorable Julys were spent with the kids in the car traveling through the USA and Canada. Bill and Georgia also traveled with friends through Europe, Mexico and Hawaii. They especially enjoyed visiting family in Serbia and Montenegro. Together they took cruises through Alaska, Russia and the Panama Canal. They cherished reunions with college friends at Huntington Lake or at the coast in Cambria. They worked hard, played well and had a wonderful life.

When travel became too difficult, Bill learned to use the internet to keep in touch with friends and family. For years his routine was to meet the guys for donuts to discuss politics and solve world problems. Once home, he read his emails, and checked in on Facebook. He really enjoyed his Facebook time. Staying in touch with friends and family meant everything to him.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Vido and Danica Cucuk, his brother Walter Cucuk, his daughter, Debra Lombard, and his loving wife for 64 years, Georgia.

He is survived in death by his son-in-law, Steve Lombard, daughter Nancy Penny and her husband Tim, his son David Cucuk and his wife Marsha, 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church, on Friday, September 28 at 6:00 pm. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 10:00 am.

Remembrances in his honor may be sent to Saint Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church, 3502 N. First Street, Fresno CA 93726.