Marko Joseph Vasilj

Marko Joseph Vasilj of Sacramento left this world peacefully on Sunday, December 1, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 39.

He leaves behind his wife Barby, daughters Vivian, (age 6) and Ginger (age 4), father Zlatko 'Joe' Vasilj and stepmother Candis Vasilj of Rocklin; mother Linda Parsons and stepfather Frank Parsons of Nashville; brother Scott Parsons of Nashville; father-in-law Mike Karas and mother-in-law Anthi Karas of Sacramento; brother-in-law Nick Karas of Sacramento; sister-in-law Kelly Karas of Sacramento; and many aunts, uncles and cousins scattered throughout.

Marko was born July 28, 1974 in Sacramento. Although he spent his childhood school years living with his mom, stepdad and brother in Singapore and then Houston, vacations and summers were spent in Rocklin with his dad. He could always be found hanging out at J & J Body Shop in Roseville, a business started by his dad and brother Jozo in 1975, or cruising around Sunset Whitney in dad's golf cart. Marko was well known in the Croatian American community and particularly loved participating in the annual summer Croatian Extravaganzas.

He graduated from California State University-Sacramento in 1997 with a degree in business and immediately focused on modernizing and expanding J & J as their general manager. Marko had a special gift for providing personalized customer service which enhanced J & J Body Shop's reputation as a successful well respected family owned business. Several years later, Marko's cousins Nick and Dennis joined him at the shop.

In 1999 Marko met Barby Karas, a native of Sacramento, and instantly fell in love. Inseparable from the moment they met, the pair married in 2004, and had two beautiful little girls. Marko was a devoted husband and amazing father who cherished every moment he spent with his family. His passion for life extended not only to his family, his friends and his business, but included a love of music, travel, wine, cycling and art. His quest for knowledge was endless, and he possessed an intrinsic sense of style and grace as well as a personal charisma that could fill any room. He will be missed by all and forgotten by none.

A public memorial service will be held Monday, December 9th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church, 615 Vine Street in Roseville. followed immediately by a private interment. A celebration of life will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Croatian American Cultural Center located at 3730 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento. Friends and family are invited to stop by.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to honor Marko may send donations to the Croatian Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 290, San Ramon, CA 94583