Slavko Petric

Slavko was born on April 16, 1947, in Zadar, Croatia, to Živko and Anka Petric. He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved sister, Mileva, and his best friend, Gerald “Gerry” Conklin, whose friendship held a special place in his heart.

Slavko is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Vesna Petric, with whom he built a beautiful life and family. He leaves behind his loving children: Jane Rumora and her husband, Vinko; Melissa Morrison and her husband, Gary; and Erik Petric and his wife, Monica. Nothing made Slavko prouder than his children. He took tremendous pride in their accomplishments and in the lives they built through hard work, integrity, and dedication.

He was a devoted grandfather to Nicole Trimble and her husband, Steven, and Lucija Morrison, and a proud great-grandfather to Olivia.. He is also survived by his beloved uncle and aunt, Marinko and Stana Simicev, cherished nieces and nephews and cousins in both the United States, France and his native Croatia. The family also lovingly recognizes Monica Welsh, who was like a daughter to the family and held a very special place in Slavko’s heart.

Slavko’s youth in the former Yugoslavia included experiences that would become treasured stories later in life. He appeared as an extra in the classic Winnetou film, filmed in the former Yugoslavia, working alongside Lex Barker and Pierre Brice. He worked on the set of the film Genghis Khan, alongside Omar Sharif and Telly Savalas—another remarkable chapter in the life of a young man who could never have imagined all that his future would hold.

As a teenager, Slavko made the courageous decision to leave his homeland behind to begin a new journey. Slavko left Communist Yugoslavia for Italy and later emigrated to the United States. America became the country where Slavko built a life that he always dreamed of. Slavko began his culinary career at the Swiss Chalet where he eagerly learned every aspect of the restaurant business. Within a few years, his talent and dedication earned him the title of Chef, launching a career that would span for decades. Slavko became a well known and respected chef throughout New Jersey. Over the years, Chef Slavko worked in some of New Jersey’s well-known restaurants, including The Colony Tower, Le Deauville Inn with his lifelong friend Jomar Rabello, Shadowbrook, American Hotel, Lamp Post Inn, Waters Edge, and the Old Time Tavern. Chef Slavko was also an entrepreneur. In the 80's Slavko and his wife owned and operated Pleasant Plains Butcher Shop, Toms River. He proudly owned and operated Windows on the Bay in Bayville and later owned and operated Peterson’s Sunset Cabin in Lakewood. Eventually, he brought his talents to Perth Amboy, where he ran The Galley at the Raritan Yacht Club for more than 20 years. Never one to stop working or creating, Chef Slavko saw another opportunity along the Perth Amboy waterfront and opened HarborSide Walk, his food truck. Fishermen, boaters, marina visitors and longtime customers came to enjoy his cooking and conversation.

He was a man of deep faith and strong conviction who loved God and believed wholeheartedly in Jesus Christ. His faith was not something he simply professed; it could be seen in the way he lived. Perhaps nowhere was that more evident than around his dining room table. Slavko believed there was always room for one more. Family and friends could find a seat at his table. No one should leave his home hungry, and no one should ever feel unwelcome. A meal, conversation and hospitality were simply part of being in Slavko’s home. In many ways, his life had come full circle. He escaped a country where freedom was denied so that he could build a home where everyone was welcome. Slavko possessed a profound gratitude for the country that gave him opportunity. His famous saying became familiar to everyone who loved him: “America, what a country.” Those words captured the gratitude of a man who never forgot what America had given him—the freedom to work, worship, raise his family, pursue his dreams and give his children the opportunities he never had.

He prepared countless meals, but his life’s greatest work was preparing a better future for his family. His legacy lives in the values he instilled, the opportunities he created, the people he fed, the friendships he treasured, the faith he practiced, and the countless people who at one time or another were fortunate enough to find a seat at Chef Slavko’s table. His family will forever be proud of the extraordinary life he built from such humble beginnings and will carry his stories, his faith, his traditions, his love of food, and his unforgettable words with them always.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15