Reunited with his late wife Mary Ellen after 71 wonderful years of marriage. Cherished father of Chris (Carol) and Gary (Lisa). Proud Deda of Elleah, Braden, Joy, Kyla and Landon. Dear brother-in-law of Barbara Lovrinich. Sadly missed by nieces, nephews, extended family and friends in Canada and Croatia.
As a family man, John cherished his family, most importantly his wife and life long companion of 71 years, Mary. As young adults in the Hamilton Croatian Community, John met Mary on an organized CFU bus trip when he noticed an empty seat and asked if he could sit with her. That began a life-long journey and together they built a life. They worked hard - owning property and a hotel that they ran together. Then they raised two sons together and provided a good example for them - work hard, value family, and enjoy life to the fullest.
John was active in the Croatian community - especially within the Croatian National Home (CNH) - "the DOM". From golfing on Wednesdays for many years and enjoying the lunches prepared by Nada Richards to participating as a member of the bowling league. He also enjoyed playing tambura with the LADO group and made friendships that lasted his lifetime. John and Mary enjoyed all the dinners and banquets at the DOM and you could always see them on the dance floor!
He was a former employee of the LCBO and managed many stores where he worked until retirement.
He loved his grandchildren the most and was an active part of their lives - he was the one on the ground playing with them and making them laugh up until his very last days. They could always depend on their Deda.
John will be remembered as a loving son, son-in-law, husband, brother-in-law, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. We are so grateful he was a part of our lives and will be dearly missed.
The family would like to extend their utmost gratitude and special thanks to the people who cared for John in his later years, notably the staff at Seasons Retirement in Stoney Creek, Hamilton Health Sciences 3rd floor, Ridgeview Long Term Care Stoney Creek, with a very special thanks to Mary Jane, and Hamilton General Hospital 8th floor West.
Visitation at MARKEY-DERMODY FUNERAL HOME, 1774 King Street East (at Kenilworth) on Monday August 15 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Croatian Church, 1883 King Street East, on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 11 am; with celebration of life to follow at Croatian Sports and Community Centre of Hamilton (Green Mountain Rd). Donations in John’s memory may be made to Croatian National Home Building Fund.
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