Vlado was born on May 11, 1936, in Bol, Island of Brac, Croatia to Juro Lonza and Anka Jugovic Lonza. He graduated from high school in Dubrovnik, Croatia in 1955. After escaping communism, he immigrated to the United States and settled in San Pedro after a period in Washington state. He graduated from LA Harbor College in 1963 with an Associate of Arts degree and completed his education at Cal State Long Beach in 1966 receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
It was then that Vlado met and fell in love with the love of his life, Margery "Margie" Franks. They married in 1968 and were married for 52 years. He was preceded in death by Margie in 2021. Vlado and Margie were a wonderful, fun loving, gregarious and loyal couple with many, many friends. One of their passions was traveling the world with friends. They especially enjoyed their many trips to Croatia!
Vlado was employed by the Franchise Tax Board/State of California from 1968-1990, during which time he became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1977 with an expertise in international taxation. After his 22-year career with the Franchise Tax Board, he established his own independent CPA practice. From 1990 until 2020, Vlado ran a highly successful local tax and business consulting practice based in San Pedro. He was a respected businessman and served as a trusted tax and business advisor to many.
Vlado was very active and dedicated to his Croatian heritage and served in many leadership roles in the Croatian community. He was a true believer in freedom and was very active in promoting Croatian independence. He served as the President of the Croatian American Club of San Pedro for many years, as well as Secretary and Treasurer. He was a Board Member of the Croatian National Association and Foundation for over 40 years, and Treasurer of the Libertas Foundation for over 30 years. He served as President and Treasurer of HDZ of San Pedro and was an Advisor to the Office of the Republic of Croatia in Washington, DC from 1990-91. While always a very proud American, he was a pillar of the Croatian community who was devoted to bettering Croatia's future.
Vlado was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Vlado is survived by his stepson, Roger McGerr of Raymond, NE; his daughter-in-law, Janice McGerr; his 3 grandchildren - Lacey McGerr of Lincoln, NE, Trevor McGerr of Mechanicsburg, PA, and Jasen McGerr of Branson, MO; his sister Maria Angelov of Zagreb, Croatia; his sister-in-law Vinka Lonza (Plat) of Dubrovnik, Croatia; and many other relatives and cherished friends in the United States and Croatia.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a tax-deductible donation in Vladimir Lonza's Memory, to the Libertas Foundation, 777 W. 9th St., San Pedro, CA 90731 (USA). Donations will be used to provide scholarships to needy students in the Dubrovnik Region and for the purchase of medical equipment at Dubrovnik Hospital.
Vlado was loved by many, and although his presence here on earth will be greatly missed, he will live in our hearts and memories forever.
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