KABALIN, FEDOR Professor-Music-Song Writer

Fedor Kabalin is Chairman of the Music Department, Newark State College Union, New Jersey. Born Zagreb, Croatia; married with two children. Education includes University of Zagreb, School of Law; Music Academy, Zagreb 1940-41; Music Academy, Vienna, Austria,M.M. 1944; Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. M.M. 1954; Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York, Ph.D., music composition 1965 with a major field in conducting and composition. Thesis: 1954 "A Fable," (Original composition - Chamber Opera in one act), Northwestern University 1965 "Canticle of Seasons," (Original composition) Eastman Sch. of Music. Ph.D. Awards: Cash prize and performance by Louisville Orchestra, for composition "Reflections" 1954. Finals in North Carolina Symphony Orchestra and Phoenix Arizona Symphony Guild 1953. Orchestral: 1953 Reflections, Serenade; 1961 Invocation and Thanksgiving, Olympic Overture. Instrumental; 1949 Divertimento for Wind Septet; 1955 Poems and Rhymes (violoncello or viola and piano), Fanfare and Processional (brass and percussion); Music compositions, including background score for feature length Chile Films production "El Paso Maldito" (1949); symphonic works played by Detroit, Louisville, Oklahoma City and University of Kansas symphony orchestras and the Zagreb Philharmonic. Occupational experience:1948 Composer-conductor, Chile Films, Santiago, Chile; 1948-49 Assistant chorus director, Catholic University, Santiago; 1950 Guest conductor, Chilean Symphony Orchestra , Santiago; 1950-52 Staff Correspondent, Pro Arte weekly magazine, Santiago; Head, music department, Margaret Hall School, Versailles, Kentucky; 1952-58 Conductor of Croatian chorus "Zora" in Chicago, Illinois; 1958 General Production Assistant, Lyric Opera, Chicago, Illinois; 1959-60 Head Rehearsal Department, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco and Los Angeles, California; 1959-61 Chairman, music theory department, Music and Arts Institute, San Francisco, California; 1961-65 Conductor, Opera Workshop, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; 1964 Summer faculty, Nazareth College, Rochester, New York; 1965 Conductor, Midland Symphony Orchestra, Composer-in-residence Delta College; 1966 Conductor, Detroit Symphony Orchestra concert sponsored by Croatian Board of Trade.

KADIC, ANTE Professor

Professor of South Slavic Languages and Literatures, author of many books and articles, cultural historian and literary critic, Kadic was born on January 18, 1910 in the village of Krug, Lower Po1jica near Split, Southern Croatia (Daltmatia). After graduating from the Classical Gymnasium in Split he pursued theological, philosophical and biblical studies in the same city. He continued these studies in Rome, where in 1935 he received his Ph.D. at Gregorian University. After achieving licentiate in Semitic languages in 1938, he traveled to Palestine. During World War II he lived in Switzerland where at the University of Geneva he finished studies in comparative literature in 1945. By 1947 he completed his studies at the Institute of Political Sciences, also in Geneva. As an official of the United Nations he worked in Geneva and Paris; from 1949 to 1952 he was employed in Lebanon for the U. N. among the Palestinian refugees. In 1952 by way of India, Burma and Japan he arrived as an immigrant in California. After a brief employment at the Bank of America in San Francisco Kadic, began teaching South Slavic languages and literatures at the University of California at Berkeley in 1953. In 1959 he started to teach at Indiana University in Bloomington where he became a full professor in 1965. He taught there until his retirement in 1980. Since he was assigned to teach contemporary Russian Literature as well, he visited Moscow and Leningrad in 1961 and 1968. Kadic’s first book in America was the Croatian Reader with Vocabulary (Berkeley, 1957, new edition by Mouton in 1960). In 1960 he published his Contemporary Croatian Literature (Mouton) and in 1964 his Contemporary Serbian Literature appeared. His most significant book is From Croatian Renaissance to Yugoslav Socialism (Mouton, 1969). This collection of essays, like many of his articles, studies, and books deals not only with literary themes but with cultural, social and political history as well. In Croatian he has published Domovinska Rijec: knjizevnopovjesni ogledi (Barcelona, 1978) and Ise1jena Hrvatska (Chicago, 1979). Both books discuss a variety of subjects, many writers, poets, distinguished Croatians in foreign countries, and the problems of emigration. Over the years Kadic has published many articles and some lengthy studies and critical analyses on numerous subjects in various Croatian papers and periodicals. His contribution to Hrvatska Revija-Croatian Review, an excellent quarterly (published in Barcelona by Vinko Nikolic, now in its thirty-second year) is outstanding. At many conventions and conferences of Slavic Studies in the United States and abroad Professor Kadic held lectures on subjects from Croatian, South Slavic and Slavic cultural history. He has visited many foreign countries in the course of his academic career, has gone to his homeland several times and has described his experiences, impressions and meetings with many people in various essays. He has written extensively on Juraj Krizanic, the Croatian precursor of Pan-Slavism; with Thomas Eekman he edited the book Juraj Krizanic (1618-1683) Russophile and Ecumenic Visionary (Mouton, 1976). Among his recent themes is the subject of Croatian-Bulgarian relations. He was invited several times to Bulgaria, a land he describes warmly in his essays. A prolific writer, a meticulous and patient researcher, a serious and objective scholar he has emerged as one of the leading Slavists in America. Through many of his publications Croatia and the Croatians have become better known to the scholarly communities of English-speaking countries. He presently lives in Bloomington, Indiana on the campus of Indiana University and spends his time doing research, writing and travelling.

KALICH, MICHAEL L. Fruit Packer and Shipper

An expert packer of the choicest apples, who has had a valuable experience in growing the best fruit most wanted for the market, and has also been fortunate in his prompt shipments and successful deliveries, is Michael L. Kalich, of 125 West Lake avenue, Watsonville. He was born in Dalmatia, Croatia on June 14, 1884, the son of Luke and Lucy Kalich, who were hard working farmer folk. At the age of eighteen years, when he had successfully finished his schooling in Dalmatia, Michael L. Kalich came to the United States, direct to Watsonville, California, where he knew so many Dalmatians had made their mark, and for a while he worked in the orchards and in the packing houses. Later he was foreman for a couple of years at Del Monte ranch, for Mateo Lettunich, and as the result of all his strivings and savings he was able to engage in business for himself in 1908 and since then he has certainly done well, even pointing the way to others, as both a packer and a shipper, in busy packing seasons employing no less than eighty-five people.

KALILIC, JOSKO Doctor

Josko Kalilic is a Physician-Intern at Euclid-Glenville Hospital Euclid, Ohio. Born December 1, 1938 in Split, Dalmatia, Croatia. He is single and a permanent resident of the USA. Education includes First Real Gymnasium, Split, Diploma, 1957. Medical Faculty, University of Zagreb 1957-1965, M.D., 1966 with a major field in medicine.

KALITERNA, ROSE Club Activist

Kaliterna, a charter member, was one of the founders of the Jugoslav Woman's Club in 1932 as a hostess group for Yugoslavian athletes here to compete in the Olympics. Kaliterna came to San Pedro in 1928 from Astoria, Oregon. She was honored as the San Pedro Lions Club "Man of the Year" in 1973 and was cited in the Congressional Record for her community work by US Congressman Glenn Anderson, D-Harbor City. Other community organizations Kaliterna has been active in include the Needlework Guild of America, Claretian Guild, San Pedro Coordinating Council and the San Pedro Community Concert Association. She has been president of the Women's Division of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and is a past president of the Town and Country Catholic Woman's Club. She also has received awards from local PTAs.

KAMBIC, DONALD P. Teacher

Donald Kambic was born May 18, 1924 in San Francisco, California. his field is French, and is a graduate of San Francisco State College. He speaks Croatian, Serbian, Slovenian, German, and French. He is a teacher at Jefferson High School. He presently resides in Daly City, California.

KAPPHAHN, CATHERINE Writer

Catherine Victoria Kapphahn spent most of her growing up years along the Front Range mountains in Colorado. However, due to her parents' nomadic lifestyle she also lived in Peru, Singapore, Indonesia, and England. At twenty she moved to New York City, where she imagined she would do many exciting things with her dancing and acting, instead she spent much of her time waitressing. When she was twenty-two her Croatian-born mother died of cancer. Afterward, Catherine got her BA from Hunter College, where she began writing about her mother. She is currently a graduate student in the Writing Division at Columbia University where she continues to work on a memoir about her mother's death and rediscovering her mothers Croatian history. She lives in New York City in a fifth-floor walk up apartment with her husband Rene Georg Vasicek, also a writer, and their dog ,Sonia.

KAPETANIC, DAVOR Professor

Davor Kapetanic is a literary historian and university professor. He was born on June 26, 1928 in Zagreb, Croatia. He is a graduate of the University of Zagreb with a PhD in philology. He was a research assistant at HAZU Institute for Literature and Theatre Studies in Zagreb; since 1973 professor at the Department for Slavic Languages and Literature at the University of Washington at Seattle; he publishes textual and bibliographic material on Croatian writers and his large descriptive bibliography on KrIeza's work and literature about Krleza.

KAPETANICH, MATH P. Croatian Activities

Born in Lead, South Dakota, oldest son of Louis and Lucy Kapetanich. In 1912 he returned with his parents to their former home in Dalmatia where he attended school. Following graduation from the Naval Academy in 1921, he returned to America and was employed by the Bank of Italy, in San Pedro. He was associated with several contracting firms and also the Apex Steel Corporation, Ltd. He was active as a member and office holder in various organizations including the Los Angeles Croatian American Athletic Club and the Slavic Democratic League, of which he was financial secretary.

KAPETANOVIC, RUZICA Author-Professor-Publisher

Ruzica Kapetanovic is a writer and translator. Born March 13 1953 in D. Moticina near Nasice, Croatia; parents are Ivan K and Terezija Dragic. Education includes BA 1973 and MA 1974 at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; worked for her PhD in linguistics at Stanford University 1974-1976; Librarian at Ohio State University 1971-1972; manager of the Cross-Continental Import-Export Co. 1976-1978; vice president of the Associated Book Publishers Inc. in Arizona since 1979. Published Croatian Cuisine 1978; Croatia and Croatians: A Selected and Annotated Bibliography by George J. Prpic (editor-in-chief, 1982. Member of Association of Croatian Studies, Croatian Academy of America, Croatian American Association.

KARAMATIC, JOHN Fisherman-Shipwright

John Karamatic was born in Plina, Dalmatia, Croatia in 1906 and he resided there for the first 16 years of his life. The Karamatic. family, consisting of three sons and a daughter, came with their parents and settled in Aberdeen, Washington. It was here, in 1923, at the age of 17 that brother John Karamatic joined the Croatian Fraternal Union by enrolling in Lodge 271. While living in Plina, his grandfather taught him the carpentry trade so it was only natural to continue in this line of work in his new homeland. When John Karamatic moved to Tacoma in the mid 1930s, he became a master carpenter and a shipwright He was also a commercial fisherman for a number of years. John Karamatic died on July 8, 1986. On February 27, 1937, he married Eva Tomica Krsticevich, his beloved wife for the last 49 years. This union was blessed by a son, Robert. Survivors include his wife, his son, daughter-in-law, Marsha, grandsons, John and Scott and wife, Angie, granddaughter, Julie, brother, Anthony and sister, Mildred and numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces. John Karamatic was a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, a member of the Eagles, and a dedicated and loyal member of the Carpenter's Union for 42 years.

KARMELICH, VICKO Fisherman

Vicko Karmelich was born in the village of Bol, on the Island of Brac, off the coast of Dalmatia. Like many of his countrymen Vicko, a fisherman, relocated to San Pedro. He married Vica Vodanovich in 1910 and together they raised four children: Frank, John, Mandalina and Katherine. Frank was a student at the University of Southern California and his sister Katherine worked for the California Fish and Game Office.

KARUZA, JOHN Fisherman

John was born on October 25,1911 and died September 9, 2003. John was always there for his family, friends, and even strangers. He had an easy-going, steady character and was much loved by everyone who knew him. He ran the family fishing vessel Shusharti, the Comet that he and Jim Costanti partnered in building the Tagattoff until he retired at the age of 65. He traveled extensively with his wife Jean, who passed away in 1999. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Vincent, Nick, and Frank, and a grandson, Danny Wright. He is survived by his brother, Mike (Eva) Karuza; daughter Marye Clare (Sam) Dillard; John (Peggy) Karuza; Mark (Patti) Karuza; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and many good friends. (Sleasman 2003)

KASICH, JOHN Congressman

Congressman John Kasich sits in the House of Representatives for the state of Ohio, although he is a member of the Republican Party. Kasich is one of the most powerful Croatian American politicians. He is among the better known congressional financial experts. He is the chairman of the Budget Committee and a member of the Armed Services Committee. His legislative proposals have saved enormous amounts of money for the American taxpayers. Kasich, born in McKees Rocks in Pennsylvania, had the confidence of former President George Bush, and Ronald Reagan also held him in high regard.

KATIC CLAN

Ivan Katic and his wife Draga from Cerna in eastern Croatia arrived in the United States in 1969, seeking greater economic and cultural freedom. Ivan Katic found work almost immediately at the Barger Metal Company, located in Cleveland, Ohio, as a general utility worker. Ivan Katic’s brother, Slavko and his wife Barbara, came to the United States in 1971; Slavko joined Ivan at the Barger Metal Company. At the company, they met a shop foreman, Astor Branham, and together they laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Enterprise Welding & Fabricating, Inc. With a strong desire to run their own business, the Katic brothers asked Branham to help start a welding company. All three borrowed money from friends, totaling $2,000.00 and proceeded to form Enterprise Welding & Fabricating in Mentor on November 8, 1975 in a 3,000 square foot building. Less than a year later the company was struggling and ready to go out of business before Myers Products, a Cleveland snowplow maker, gave Enterprise Welding a $30,000.00 contract which turned things around for the struggling company. After nearly thirty years in this country, the Katic’s have created a successful Enterprise Welding & Fabricating Inc. at Heisley Road, Mentor, a thriving sheet-metal fabricator in a 55,000 square foot building. With new high-technology machines, such as lasers, robot welders, and CNC machines, Enterprise Welding & Fabricating has grown into a multi-million dollar company whose clients include great industrial giants such as Caterpillar Co. Ivan and Slavko Katic attribute their success to all of their uncles, cousins, and close friends who helped them out in the beginning as well as the present employees of the company. Ivan’s children, Mile, Ana and Ivana as well as Slavko’s children, Josip and Vera have been obtaining a practical education for running the business to succeed their parents and continue the success and growth of the company. Ivan Katic other brother, Milan, emigrated from Croatia in 1982 and worked at Enterprise Welding. Helped by Ivan and Slavko, he opened a machine shop, Enterprise CNC in Mentor, which has also become a successful and expanding business. The youngest of the Katic brothers, Josip, arrived in Cleveland in 1979 at the age of 15. After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Army for four years. With the guidance of his brothers, Josip also opened his own machine shop, Quality CNC Machining, which expanded and moved into a new 8,000 square foot building. Completing this enterprise minded family is Kata Mazar, Katic’s sister who is in the commercial and residential decorating business. Ivan Katic said all four brothers have operated under the same principle: ìIf you want to work ten, or twelve hours a day, the opportunity is there for you to succeed.

KATICH, MARTIN Restaurant

Martin Katich, a resident of Oakland for more than a quarter of a century, has for the past eight years been successfully engaged in business as sole proprietor of the Avenue Cafe, a high-class restaurant located at the corner of Sixteenth street and San Pablo avenue in Oakland, California, A native of Dalmatia, Croatia, Martin Katich, however, came with an uncle to California when he was but thirteen years of age, in 1887. Thus his early schooling was obtained in Oakland, where he remained with relatives when his uncle, a retired sea captain, returned to Croatia. After graduating the grammar grades, Martin Katich entered the Oakland high school. The Avenue Cafe is second to none in the city in excellence of appointments and cuisine. Meantime Mr. Katich made a journey back to his old home in Dalmatia to visit his parents there, in 1899, he married Miss Annie Urlovich. Two years thereafter the young couple spent in thier native land, where a daughter, Annie, was born to them. Then Mr. Katich brought his wife and their little daughter to California, but Mrs. Katich died two years later. Martin, Jr., the only son to the couple, was then but three months of age. Later Mr. Katich and the sister of his late wife were united in marriage and by this union there is a daughter, Lucille, named for her mother. Prominent in commercial and civic affairs, he is a member of the Commercial Club, Chamber of Commerce and Merchants Exchange of Oakland. In fraternal circles he is also active and is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Loyal Order of Moose, Royal Arch and the United Slavonian Society. He owns a handsome home at Twentieth and Webster streets and socially both Mr. and Mrs. Katich are popular and noted for their hospitality.

KATIC, RADOVAN C. Engineer-Naval Architect

Radovan Katic is a Naval Architect for Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Central Technical Division-Shipbuilding, Sparrows Point, Maryland. Born September 28, 1924 in Gradac, Croatia; Married with five children and a U.S. citizen since 1963. Education includes State Real Gymnasium, Dubrovnik, 1943; Naval Academy, Muerwick, Germany, 1943-45, Diploma, Ensign, 1945; University of Zagreb, Technical faculty Zagreb, Croatia, 1946-52, B.S., 1952. With a major field in Naval Architecture. Experience: Deutsch Werft, A.G. Hamburg-Assistant Naval Architect 1954-57; National Bulic Cannilus, Inc., N.Y. - Asst. Naval Architect 1957-60; Roland Marine, Inc., N.Y. Holl and Engine Surveyor 1960-62; Self-employed, Marine Consultant and Surveyor 1962-63; Todd Shipyards Corp., Brooklyn, New York, Ship Designer and Naval Architect 1963-66.

KATNICH, WALTER M. Mayor-Teacher-Military OSS

A native of Krasica, near Susak, he came to the United States in 1930 at the age of seven. Like many immigrant families, his father had come to America years before, found a job, saved some money and then sent for wife and family to join him. He attended the same school as the late mayor Daley and Chicago’s present Croatian-American mayor, Mike Bilandich. He became an American citizen in 1937 and played minor league baseball prior to entering the U.S. Army as a member of the clandestine Office of Strategic Srevices (O.S.S.). He served in Asia and after the war asked to be assigned to Yugoslavia. Due to his ethnic background the Army refused and Katnich left the service to continue his education at Colorado State University and Greely (B.A.) and Louis and Clark University in Portland, Oregon (M.A.). Katnich moved to Stockton in 1952 and four years later moved to nearby Lodi. He became active in civic affairs and served as a teacher and later principal in the Lodi School District. He served three terms as a city councilman and was Mayor in 1971-1972 and again for the term 1977-1978. He belonged to Croatian organizations in Chicago and maintained a membership in the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 22.

KATUSIC, ZVONIMIR Biologist-Professor

Zvonimir Katusic is the head of the Laboratory of Vascular Molecular Biology, Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. He was born in Zemun, Vojvodina on August 16, 1952. He is married with one daughter, his parents are Stiepan and Marija Katusic. He is a graduate of the University of Belgrade, has published 106 papers in international publications, and is a member of the American Physiological Society, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

KAURIC, JOE Cultural Activities-Radio

Joe Kauric had served as a Member of the Croatian Fraternal Union Board of Trustees from 1983 until 1991. From 1987 to 1991, he served as secretary of the Board. He then served as President of the CFU High Trial Board from 1991 to 1999. A lifelong CFU member and past president of Hrvatska Vila CFU Lodge 141 of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, brother Kauric remained a strong fraternalist until his passing. He had served as past president of the C F U Junior Cultural Federation, the Golden Triangle Junior Tamburitzans and.,the United CFU Lodges of Western Pennsylvania. He was also an assistant director of the Western Pennsylvania United Lodges Radio Program. Joseph R. Kauric of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, passed to his eternal rest on October 26, 2001 at the age of 78.

KAUZLARICH, RICHARD Ambassador

Richard Kauzlarich '66, former U.S. ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, returned to campus at homecoming, receiving a distinguished alumnus award in honor of his lengthy diplomatic career. A member of the senior foreign service with the U.S. State Department, Kauzlarich served as ambassador to Bosnia from August 1997 to July 1999. Prior to that, he was ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan and has served in a variety of posts including Tel Aviv, Addis Ababa and Lome.

While a student at Valpo, he majored in government, studying under professors Victor Hoffmann, Albert Wehling and Zoltan Sztankay, a former Hungarian diplomat. Kauzlarich credits the three with providing mentoring and a positive influence. "I really admire their ability to bring together ethics and religion with politics," he said. "They helped create an interest in government and foreign policy and encouraged me to continue on and make the career decision I did." He also remembers Valpo for its "rigorous academic standards" and the Chapel of the Resurrection as the central point of campus. The knowledge he gained about a variety of religions and cultures while at VU has been invaluable in his career as he interacts with Catholic, Orthodox and Islamic religious leaders.

After joining the foreign service in 1967, Kauzlarich traveled to West Africa for his first assignment. His prestigious career also includes service as deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of European and Canadian Affairs from 1991 to 1993, where he was responsible for relations with the former Soviet Union and regional economic issues. Over the years, he's faced many challenges, one of the biggest involving a helicopter crash in which five civilians were killed. "This was a great tragedy, and it was very difficult to deal with the families," he said. "There are sleepless nights as an ambassador. But there are also many rewards working for the American people. It's a great honor to serve." Kauzlarich plans to retire from foreign service this year, successfully concluding his 33-year career. "It's like being a senior at Valpo again," he said. "You know what all the rules are, and now you're leaving. Retiring will be like starting a second profession."

KAUZLARICH-KEMP, VINCE Real Estate

Vince was born in 1919, in Iowa of Croatian farmers and coal miners. Father of Kathy Green, Mike Kauzlarich of Castro Valley, California and Steve Kauzlarich of Oakland, California brother Frank Kauzlarich of Murphy, California, brother Charles Kauzlarich of Chicago, Illinois, sister Mary Schwab of Avery, California, granddaughter Angela Green of Hollywood and dear friend Carolyn Crocket of Piedmont, California. Vince, served on Coast Guard Island in Alameda for four years during World War 11. Vince entered the real estate business in 1947, and was active in it until his death. Vince belonged to the Optimist Club, junior and senior Chamber's of Commerce, the Oakland Real Estate Board, Oakland Raiders Boosters and the Gentlemen Chefs. He was hospitalized and died unexpectedly on March 28, 20O2 with his three children and dear friend by his side.

KAUZLARICH, WILLIAM Saloon-Ranch-Councilman

On May 1, 1868, during a time of monarchies and imperialism, William Kauzlarich was born in Fuzina, Croatia. The country was at that time under control of the Dual Monarchy with Frantz Joseph, the Emperor. The people of the time were mostly ignorant because schooling was not mandatory and most children were working to help support their families. But that didn't stop William Kauzlarich from getting four years of important education. This tiny bit of formal education proved to be helpful in the latter years of his life. Since villages had no modern forms of recreation like our radios and television sets thay had to make do with their own talents. They sang folksongs and danced and attended church. Weddings were big and lasted several days and they always took place in the church. Without their dancing and music, life would have, indeed, been very dull. People either worked in the fields from sun-up to sun-down or else they were employed in small shops or the few factories that existed. After he went to school William Kauzlarich worked in a furniture factory where he worked up to foreman for which he got paid meagerly at 80 cents per days work. Factories of this sort were owned mostly by British and French interests. After the supply of wood disappeared from the countryside, the factories shut down leaving the workers jobless. At the age of eighteen, he was drafted into the newly formed Austro-German Army. He fought in a war against Russia in which after losing the war, the Congress of Berlin gave Russia very little land in relation to the losses she suffered. He also fought a war against the declining Ottoman Empire. The war ended decisively in favor of the Austro-German Army but the price was more that paid for. During battle, mostly with swords and some guns, William Kauzlarich was severely wounded in the arm and stabbed in the back. After spending three months in the hospital and being promoted to Captain and serving three years in the Army, he decided he didn't like serving the Emperor and fled to France where, after a short time, he boarded a ship as a steerage passanger. A month later, in 1891, he arrived in the United Stated and instead in a big city like New York or Chicago like a good many immigrants did, he headed for Appenoose County, Iowa, where he stared work in agriculture and the mines. After living the required five years, he became official American citizen in October, 1896. From Appenoose County he had some Croatian friends headed down to Thurber, Texas to open a new mine. The town went into full swing and bloomed. Reaching a population of about 10,000 it soon receded and is now a small town in a sparsely populated region of Texas but is still on the map. From there it was on to California to do more agricultural work. Being tired of thinning fruit trees and of the desert heat, he then went to Coos Bay, Oregon where he worked new mine. Producing poor quality coal, the mine soon shut down. Today after about 80 years, the mine is being re-considered for re-opening to help ease the energy crunch. In 1898, at thirty years old, William Kauzlarich was living in Roslyn, Washington, again at work in coal mines. After five years of hard work and saving he opened the "Corner Saloon" complete with a real, full length, mahagony counter and fifteen foot plate mirror with "The Order of the Eagles" engraved on it. He was one of the first officers of this beginning organization and being the only man of thousands of Croatians that could speak both Croatian and English, he served as translator, translating legal documents, letters, and conversation among the town people. With this bilingual and other qualities, he served on the city council for seven years. He also was the first person in the city to install pluming with a toilet and bathtub. With the prohibition of 1915 and debtors who never paid back, it was back to the mines for William Kauzlarich, after another four years of savings, he bought the Scott Ranch in Nachez, Washington. The ranch was purchased "sight unseen". The ranch yielded the first hops in the state but the primary crop was apples. Pears and cherries and other fruit was grown also but with less emphasis. The ranch was continued after his death in May of 1948 by his three sons; Anthony, William Jr. and Steve until they sold the place in 1974 to an Engineer from California.

KAZULIN CLAN Boat Builders

The Kazulin family’s tradition of designing and building fine watercraft began seven generations ago on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia. Since then, generations of the family produced commercial and pleasure boats in Europe and North America. In the early 1900’s, Simon Kazulin built many of the early motor driven wooden fishing boats when he ran Skansi Boatworks in Gig Harbor Washington USA. His son Mike then continued this tradition with his line of Kazulin-Cole wooden boats into the 1960’s in nearby Tacoma, Washington.

Meanwhile, Simon’s youngest son and Tony’s father Velko remained in Croatia designing and building very fine wooden excursion boats. He progressed into fiberglass in the late 1950’s and built not only the very first fiberglass production boat in Eastern Europe, but also one of the first modern retro boats. This was a 5 meter (17 feet) barcha in fiberglass, based on the Adriatic coast’s traditional lapstrake, trumble home fishing skiff. Subsequently, these boats were produced in the thousands over a period of 30 years, and continue to this day to have a presence in all the ports of the Adriatic. " Velko states. Along with these fiberglass boats, Velko’s excursion vessels were sought after by the locals who knew the Kazulin reputation of superior building and design abilities. When I visited the Coast last summer, I saw one of my old boats moored at a local dock....40 years later, how wonderful! Velko states (1999).

In the late 1970's, the family tradition came to Canada when the Kazulins immigrated to Vancouver, B.C. where Tony and Velko set up shop in their garage. After Tony completed university, the real work began; and in 1984, the 18 Mistral and the 570SS were launched as the first Kavalk line of luxury speedboats. A reporter for Pacific Yachting says in her review of the boats, she was expecting just another powerboat and upon seeing the Mistral she realized nothing could be further from the truth. The Mistral and the 570SS made their debut at the 1984 Vancouver Boat Show, but the true introduction of these boats occurred in 1986 in Toronto. The overwhelming response at the Toronto Boat Show was encouraging and the tour was extended to Seattle, San Francisco and Miami. Boats of such hand-crafted quality and workmanship were seldom found in the boat market; whereas, their performance was matched only by the beauty of their lines. "Impressive" was often used to describe the first Kavalks by this father and son team.

In 1987, upon listening to a suggestion made by a customer looking for a "special" runabout in the spirit of the old gentleman's racer, the Kazulins went back to the drawing board and started designing. The Kavalk Classic 19 premier at the Toronto Boat Show in 1988, where the first one was purchased by its progenitor, Mr. Don Grant. "This boat was designed specifically for the Muskoka region of Ontario, whose history of mahogany gentleman runabouts and racers is well-known. We wanted to continue the Canadian tradition of beautiful runabouts," explains Tony. Glowing reviews in major boat magazines combined with high sales in Ontario, Canada opened the door to the international market. In 1989, the Kazulins started exporting their boats to the USA, Europe and Japan. "If fiberglass had not been invented, this is what mahogany runabouts styling would have evolved into." Trailer Boats (USA) Tony Kazulin attended the major boat shows in Chicago, Miami, Dusseldorf and Tokyo where the Classic 19 sat alongside its big sister, the newly launched Kavalk SportCruiser 29. "If you are looking for something different, a Kavalk sports boat is the one to choose. They will never go out of fashion or date, they look the same whether they are five or ten years old, yet they still provide outstanding performance." Sports Boat Magazine (UK) These semi-custom boats can be found all over the world which is testimony to the workmanship, design and innovation of the Kazulin family business. Through the years the Kazulins continue to design and produce their line of boats, as well as branching off into design, prototype and tooling work. Whatever the project, Kazulin's distinction is timeless design, excellent craftsmanship and functional quality of construction. (Internet 2000)

KEHRIN, ZLATKO Croatian Music

Kerhin was born in Sisak, Croatia, and left in 1898 for Chicago, Illinois  There he married Ana Pepich, sister of Stephen Pepich, a popular Croatian singer and musician.  The Kerhins lived in Chicago, Pueblo, Colorado, and Pittsburgh, PA, but finally settled in Gary, Indiana.  Kerhin was active in civic affairs, and particularly in the development and promotion of Croatian singing and music societies.  He helped found the Singing Zora Society in Chicago and the Society Javor in Pittsburgh.  Kerhin was also active in Croatian American activities nationally, helping to organize two singers' alliances, the Mihanovic (in Chicago), and Faller (in Pittsburgh).  In 1949, these zupe became part of the national American-Croatian Singers Federation (Americko-Hrvatski Pjevacki Savez); Kerhin served as its president off and on during the 1950's and 1960's.

KELEZ, GEORGE Fishery Scientist

The government research vessel, George B. Kelez, was named after a prominent Croatian-American fishery scientist who lost his life in an Alaskan plane crash. Tom Dunatov out of Seattle fished commercially for a few years before taking a job as a seaman aboard the government research vessel George B. Kelez. Tom was from Iz Mali.

KENTRA, JOHN Silver Mines-Centerville

John Centras-Kentra, a Slavonian (Croatian), was one of the most prolific mine locators in Nevada. John used the name Centers, but signed his name Centras. It is not known where he was born but the name Kentra comes from Dubrovnik. John left few personal traces in Nevada except to report to the 1880 Federal Census taker at Grantsville that he was from Austria. He left his son, John, with Sylvester Calabota, a Dalmatian, in San Francisco in 1880. Calabota reported as a Slavonian and was a member of the Slavonic Illyric Society. The Tybo Sun Newspaper in 1877 reported: John Centre and son left Monday for San Francisco. He goes down below on business connected with mines, and to place his little boy with friends until he arrives at a proper age to be put to school. No record is found of John Centras past the 1880’s. He could have returned to Dalmatia. John left the first record in 1863 that the Slavonians were in Nevada in numbers with his Sclavonian Gold and Silver Mining Company. An editor reports on his activities in 1867 in the Austrian area: From Empire District-- Yesterday afternoon John Centras brought to our office a specimen of ore weighing upwards of 60 lbs., that was obtained from the Jerusalem Ledge in the Empire district. It was a curious mass of very rich mineral, and appeared to be a conglomerate of a variety of quartz herd in a gangue of quartz. It presented more native silver in different forms than we had previously met with; there were threads of silver, single of many entangled, small spongy masses of silver, tiny nuggets, delicate filaments, and broad and fantastic shaped laminae. The specimen was procured from the depth of twenty-five feet, at which point the ledge is said to be four and a half feet thick. One ton of ore from the Jerusalem reduced at Keystone mill, yielded 467.00 by assays of its pulp. John had many ventures throughout the mining districts: Inyo Gold and Silving Mining Company, San Francisco Even. Bul. 7-11-1863. Waukasin (Vukasin) G&S Mining Co., S.F. Evening Bulletin 7-11-1863. Empire District 6-13-1867, Brought rich ore to town Reese River Reveille. Seymour Mining District Discovered by John Centras Inland Empire 4-9-1869, Centras and Smith Mine Downieville Tybo Sun 7-27-1878, Caterin Ledge Mine Grantsville 7-6-1880 Spec. Col. Mining Claims, Univ. of Nevada, Belvidere Mine 3-25-1881 Spec. Col. Mining Claims, Univ. of Nevada, Various editors report on John’s activities: John Centras, who has just returned from Downeyville, has shown us some immensely rich ore taken from the Centras and Smith Mine, seven miles from that place. The ore is of the most beautiful character assaying from 250 to 16,000. John is confident that he has ‘a big thing.’ Sclavonia: This ledge is situated between Yankee Blade Ravine and San Francisco Canyon, and was located in the early spring, but has been allowed to remain undeveloped until quite recently. John Centras, the Supt., informs us that he has started an incline, and at a depth of only 11 ft. has uncovered a ledge upwards of 8’ in width of solid quartz and specimens submitted to our inspection were really fine looking and made us wish we were the possessors of a few tons of the rock, just to buy for grub this winter. John Center, a former resident of Tybo, it is reported, has struck a very rich mine ten miles from Downieville. If what we hear is true, John has at last realized what he has always claimed was lying around loose for him, a bonanza, that will place him above want and keep the wolf from the door the remainder of his days. John Centras- First Settler. Tybo is twelve miles south of Hot Creek, and about forty miles southeast of Belmont, in a mining district of the same name, which is situated on the eastern slope of the Hot Creek Mountains. Ore was discovered in 1866, and in 1870 some important locations were made. John Centers was its first settler, having made his home there in August 1866. Its altitude is about 6,500 feet, and it is surrounded by fine mountain scenery. It is called Centersville. John Centras left a commendable record in early Nevada and a few firsts as a pioneer.

KERPAN, J. L. Academic

Born in Lovinac, Croatia, in 1888. Emigrated to the United States in 1907. Received A.B. degree from the Ohio Northern University in 1923, and M. A. degree from the Ohio State University in 1924. Resident of San Francisco since 1925.

KESIC, JOHN J. Business-Military

Brother Kesic was born October 3, 1928 in Youngstown, Ohio a son of Ignatius and Agatha Naglic Kesic. Along with his brothers, he was owner and operator of Kesic Brothers Flooring and Land Company in Youngstown since 1948. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, where he served on several committees as a councilman of the church. He was an active member of the American Croatian Citizens Club, an active member of Croatian Fraternal Union St. George Lodge 66 serving as a trustee, the Croatian Pensioners Club serving as a trustee and an Army veteran of the Korean War, serving in Germany with the highway police. John J. Kesic Sr. died on June 23, 2001. He leaves his wife, Lucille Rich, two sons,. John J. Jr. of Williamsfield and Richard S. of Canton, a daughter, Lisa M. Vaturi of Liberty, four sisters, Mary Mikicic of San Jose, Barbara Evans of Vienna, Zora Kosanyar of Boardman and Carol Garea of Youngstown; three brothers, George and Ignatius, both of Boardman, and Thomas of Poland, two grandsons; five granddaughters, and one great-grandson.

KESICH, MIRO A. Engineer-Businessman-Military

Born In Chicago, Illinois In 1927 he was an officer In the Merchant Marine and US Navy, an engineer and a member of the World Trade Club He started his business career at the age of ten selling newspapers and pencils In front of Comisky Park before White Sox games. He worked for the Jacuzzi Brother's Pump Company In Texas and California in the 1950's Miro sold for Berkeley Pump in the early 1960's. He then joined a Detroit Diesel Distributor and eventurally became general sales manager. He sold these engines and diesel generators throughout the world. Miro was founder and CEO of Pac Machine Company in Sacramento, Danville, California and Sparks, Nevada. Along with his wife and sons, he built up Pac Machine from a bedroom office to a major distributor of pumps and generators, worldwide. Miro died on April 18, 2000 in Sacramento, California He Is survived by his wife of fifty years, Carmel: his sons Miro, Frederick. David and John; their families: four grandchildren; and his sisters, Alice Steinbach of Sacramento, Mary Kelly of San Jose and Jeana Francey of Upland.

KEZMAN, CHARLES Tamburitza Hall of Fame-Music Composer-Military

In the Western part of the USA the name Charles Kezman (Charlie) is synonymous with Tamburiza music. He was born in Westmorland County Pennsyania in a log cabin owned by the silent picture movie star William S. Hart to immigrant parents (Valentine and Veronika) with a love for the music of their homeland. At the age of 4 a Bisernica was put in his hands, and each Sunday he would listen to his father and the old fellows as they played for their own pleasure. His grandfather's singing encouraged him and soon he too was Singlng /Samo Nemoj Ti". At 5 years of age he had his first performance at the Radnici Hall Dome in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When his father had to leave Westinghouse in 1925, the family moved California. Charlie no longer had the Sunday home concerts, so he bought a 25 cent Marine Band Harmonica and began to play. Not long after a friend showed him how to play a concertina accordion and his dad bought him a full size accordion which he still owns and plays today. The Croatian families would get together for picnics and Charlie would play, and when Joe Radich came to California the children began to be given instruction in all the Tamburiza. instruments. Charlie continued to learn to play in an orchestra called "Jorgovan", and with the Los Angeles Tamburiza Orchestra. Charlie was his star singer and performer, and learned not only how to play all the Tamburiza instruments but make them as well. He also learned to write and arrange music. In high school Charlie teamed up with a violinist named Alex Alhandie and began performing with his accordion at private parties and restaurants including the "American Legion", "Masons", "Moose", and "Rotary" clubs. Charlie served in the US Army during WW 11 as a radio and rifleman on the front lines of the South Pacific with the 7th Division 17th Infantry where a chaplain learned of his talents and had him playing a pedal pipe organ. Following the war he started to play in an adult group taught by Mirko Kolesar and played with Pete Gaspich, Joe Radich and J. Latkovich. He also began his career with the City of Los Angeles as an Electrical Tester for 37 years, but on week ends and evenings continued Tamburiza playing with the 2nd L.A. Tamburiza Group at various places including "Starkist Tuna" with M. J. Bogdanovich and the radio program "Slavic Hour," in Pasadena, Californi. He has been married to a supportive wife, Alice, for 46 years, has two boys and 3 grandchildren. Also, after the war he attended college and joined an opera workshop group, and performed in the Mannon Opera by Massenett. His abilities were recognized and became part of a long time friendship with other talented musicians including Theodore Radish and the Hajduk Tamburiza Group. Charlie is the leader in the group and many talented musicians including family members have played with them through the years. lie has recorded, performed with famous dance groups including the "Aman Ensemble" and even toured Croatia playing and singing. He has also, performed for movie stars, at Disneyland Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, and, head of states; but Charlie's favorite is weddings. Charlie has been involved in teaching Tamburiza, writing the music along with making and repairing of the instruments for over 60 years. At the age of 74 he has no intention of refiring from music and still leads his "Hajduk Tamburiza Orchestra". Among his many other accomplishments is his volunteer work with The Lincoln Training Center, a workshop for the mentally handicapped. Charlie is a cofounder " and an active member for over 40 years serving in many capacities including the position of President of the Board of Directors.

KINKUSICH-KINK, PAUL Fisherman

The Kink family was originally from Sinj, a town 35 KM North inland from Split, Croatia. It is the first town on the road through the Klis Pass. The town was in Turkish hands for over 150 years. In 1715, twenty years after its liberation, it repelled a Turkish siege. It was at this time that the Kink family fled the mainland and settled on the far out Island of Vis, Dalmatia, Croatia. In Komiza, Paul Kinkusic met and married Victoria Reskusich. They had 3 sons and 2 daughters. Sons: Dominic (Dick) married Margaret Evich in Everett, Washington. Their children are Victoria, Paul, and Mary. Paul married Maria Evich in Bellingham, Washington. Their children are Victoria, Peter, Dick, Mitchell, and Marie. Tony married Lucy Pribicic in Bellingham, Washington. They had 4 children, Victoria, Paul, Peter, and Jeanie. After Lucy's death, Tony married June Hughes-Ward and they had 3 children, Stanley, Madeline, and Kitty. My father came steerage to New York 1898. He somehow traveled to Colorado and worked in the mines there for a few years and saved his money. He made his way to San Pedro, California but was not too happy there. He then moved North to Everett, Washington. There he met his fellow Komizian, Paul Martinis, who wanted to stay in Everett and get started in purse-seine fishing. He also met and married Margaret Evich in 1912. She had been living with her brother John, and his wife, Maria (Costanti).

When he heard that many of his friends were living in Fairhaven and starting to do well in salmon fishing, he came to Fairhaven and felt he had found his "Mecca." He brought his wife and they moved into a rental on' 12th Street. He bought a small purse seiner, the Bellingham and did well in the fishing game. He sent for his two brothers, Paul and Tony. At about the same time he bought a pool hall and a small general store. When his brothers came, he put them there to manage the businesses. But these two young men were too good looking and the "gals" were treated royally, everything free!

When the Bellingham came in after a good catch - "Big Brother" Dick sold the pool hall and the store and his brothers became his crew - so he could keep his eye on them.

In 1912 he had his boat the St Paul built. During the winter he worked as "night watchman" at the Campbell Cannery on Chuckanut Bay. his first child was bom in 1913 and named Victoria for her paternal grandmother. In 1915, son, Paul was born and named for his paternal grandfather. In 1917 a second girl was bom and named for her maternal grandmother (Mary). The Saint Paul was fished in Puget Sound and Alaskan waters for many years. On one trip to Cape Flattery, it was so rough that Dad had to tie his cook, Nick Mu1jat, to the stove to keep him on his feet and to hold the pot of stew on the stove.

Another time, Vince Dulcich was the cook and had just finished chopping the lettuce. Antone Costello came in the galley and asked what it was for. Vince told him it was for a salad. Antone. picked up the lettuce and threw it overboard and said "That is for chickens!" Then grabbed ahead of lettuce, bit off a chunk and said, "This is salad!" It was such fun when the St Paul came home from Alaska. We three kids all got Eskimo fur slippers that smelled awful - but were appreciated. Dad had so many stories to tell us about Alaska. He loved the Matanuska Valley, the Glaciers, the seals and the bears. Speaking of stories, my dad learned to read with me. Together we read my first primer, Ist grade reader, 2nd grade reader, and third grade reader. Then he started taking the daily paper -- he really self-taught himself to read the English language. In the early twenties my dad brought his mother to America. She was a very sweet, petite grandma. Dad built our home at 1102 Donovan Avenue where I was born. The house is still standing and looks great! Dad wanted to live near other immigrant nationalities so he would get a better understanding of what America was going to be. Neighbors were the Rene LaCasse family, the

Bert Sybrant's, the Keen family (Indian), Mr. Mahoney -- a Civil War Veteran -- Officer of the Confederacy, Mrs. Rathman and her four daughters. The South Bellingham fire station was three houses away from ours and the Chief of Police lived a few blocks away. We also had some Dalmatians close by: The Anton Costello family from Kotor (we really loved them), Gorgo and Matija Zaninovich from Vis, Spiro and Yube Karuza from Solta were great people. Spiro fished on the St. Paul. The Vince Dulcich family from Hvar were very dear friends.

But of course all our close friends from the Island of Vis were very special. We were together for weddings, funerals, baptisms, first communion, confirmations, St. Nicholas Day -- Christmas to New Years Day was one party after another. I can remember walking home after midnight from 12th street to Donovan (no cars)... I can also remember falling asleep under Mu1jat's kitchen table (no baby-sitters)... the adults sang, danced, and told fantastic stories. The food was Dalmatian pastries, candy, and nuts. My dad and Nick Mu1jat made some snazzy guitars from 5-gallon oil cans and cat-gut strings. They strummed them like seasoned musicians and sang songs in a guttural voice. They were destined to become the Elvis Presleys of Vis! In the spring when the seiners were clean and freshly painted -- many picnics to various islands were held. Sometime two boats were tied together -- We had to anchor out for there were no docks -- then the skiffs were rowed to the beach bringing food, kids, etc. The men would build a fire on the beach, getting it down to hot, hot coals and barbecue the choice cuts of meat. The ladies made the salad: Lettuce, tomatoes, green onions with olive oil and vinegar dressing with home-made croutons. Long loaves of French bread (crispy) were cut in thick slices (no butter) -- the drinks were wine for adults, pop for the kids and watermelon for dessert. Svete was also brought to go with coffee. The food at those long-ago picnics are now considered gourmet! So many wonderful meinories! By Mary Irvin. (Sleasman 1999)

KIRIGIN, NIKOLA Winery

Kirigin Cellars is located in the Uvas Valley in Southern Santa Clara County, California. The vineyards are planted on the slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains providing ideal soil and climatic conditions for growing and producing fine varietal wines. Owner/Winemakcr Nikola Kirigin-Chargin began his winemaking career in his native Croatia on the Adriatic Coast where for generations the Kirigin family had operated their vineyards -and winery. First learning the art of winemaking as a young boy, Nikola later earned his degree in enology at the University of Zagreb in 1941. After coming to this country in 1959 he distinguished himself as a winemaker in the American wine industry. In 1976, he took over the historic winery with vineyards and climate reminiscent of his homeland and began producing 100% varietal wines from the vineyards surrounding the winery. The desire to produce premium quality wines in the old European manner, combined with the best aspects of modern American technology, is the realization of a life-long dream. Estate Vineyards: 30 acres, Production: 2,000 cases, Brands Produced: Kirigin Cellars. Current releases: All of our wines are produced from grapes grown around the winery. We produce: Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay. Sauvignon Blanc and Malvasia Bianca. One dessert wine vina de Mocca (A naturally flavored proprietary dessert wine).

KIRIN, JOSEPH Tamburitza

Joseph Kirin, age 55, from Chicago, Illinois, began his tambura career at the age of twelve and has continued since. Joe is the only remaining charter member of the Sloboda Junior Tamburitzans and has continued being an active participant. He truly enjoys assisting the learning of the tambura to youngsters as well as his own children. In 1976 he coordinated the first youth trip to Croatia for the 10th Annual Croatian Cultural Festival and again this year for the 20th Festival in Zagreb. In Dallas, Texas, where rarely a tambura was heard, Joe was instrumental in bringing tambura music alive to eager enthusiasts. Joe believes that no other ethnic group on earth enjoys the culture and heritage of their forefathers as do the Croatians. This beautiful music has been a major factor that brought him through serious illnesses as well as given him a beautiful musical life!

KIRIN, MILAN and ANNA Slavulj Chorus

Together they gathered Croatian singers from all parts of the Southland, because they believed in an idea, because they had a vision of tomorrow, because they heard stirring echoes of their beloved homeland tunes beating in their hearts and felt compelled to listen. These two, Milan and Anna Kirin, co-founders of "Slavulj" have been its life-blood from the inception to the chorus. Working tirelessly to promote the chorus before and after its founding, they still give it their endless support. So on this 20th anniversary of "Slavulj" in 1968 we particularly share our congratulations with Milan Kirin, co-founder, and also with his wife, Anna. And we pause to honor them in profound appreciation. Croatian National Association.

KIRIN, MILAN Croatian Activist

Milan was born in Hrvatska Dubica, Croatia on September 18, 1888 where he secured his grammar and high school education. On May 5, 1905 he completed his training as a cabinet maker. In February 1907, he came to America and settled at Braddock, Pennsylvania, where he took up the trade of pattern maker in the plant of the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. In 1911 he moved to Detroit where he followed his trade of pattern maker in various automobile plants until 1930 when he moved to Los Angeles. Mr. Kirin joined the Croatian Fraternal Union in 1909 and held positions on the executive committee at various times. At the C.F.U. convention in Gary, Indiana he was elected a member of the high trial board. In 1931 he married Anna Murvin. Milan, along with John Fill organized the Croatian singing society “Slavulj” in Los Angeles in 1948.

KISAK, PAUL CIA Officer-Engineer

Mr. Paul F. Kisak of Middletown, Virginia has been selected for inclusion in ‘Who’s Who in the World’ and ‘Who’s Who in America’. In addition Mr. Kisak has been awarded ‘The US Department of State Tribute of Appreciation Award’ for efforts done overseas as a Diplomat in the State Department. Mr Kisak is also schheduled to receive’The Cold War Recognition Certificate’ from the Department of Defense for work done as an Intelligence Officer in the CIA. Mr. Kisak was the first student to graduate from the University of Michigan with 3 degrees in Engineering and went on the found KKItm which was the first company to offer award winning commercial-off-the-shelf satellite simulation software for the personal computer.

KISICH, PASQUAL Restaurant

Pasqual Kisich, who has been a resident of Oakland for more than a quarter of a century, is the well known proprietor of the beautiful Saddle Rock Cafe at No. 418 Thirteenth street. His birth occurred in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on the 16th of October, 1869, his parents being Michael and Svieta Kisich. At the age of seventeen he emigrated to the United States and settled in California, being employed on a ranch near Santa Clara for three months. He then came to Oakland and worked in a restaurant for two years. On the expiration of that period, in association with John Marcovich, he opened the Saddle Rock Cafe at the corner of Twelfth and Washington streets and in 1893 purchased the interest of his partner. In 1900 he removed to Broadway, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets, there remaining until 1905, when he came to his present place of business at No. 418 Thirteenth street. Here he conducts an attractive and handsomely appointed cafe that is considered the best in Oakland. As the years have gone by he has won a measure of success that is well merited and that entitles him to recognition among the prosperous and representative citizens of his community. On the 12th of April, 1898, in Oakland, Mr. Kisich was united in marriage to Miss Nettie C. Stroinski, by whom he has three children, namely: Oliver, who is fourteen years of age and a high-school student; Bernice, eight years old, who is in school in a convent; and Pasqual, a little lad of three. Mr. Kisich is a republican in politics, while fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Loyal Order of Moose.  He is a member of organizations whose aim is to promote the expansion of Oakland, belonging to the Chamber of Commerce, the Oakland Commercial Club and the Mercahnts Exchange, of which he is a director. 1914

KLARIC, JOHN Contractor-Military-Engineer

John Klaric founded Klaric Contracting Company, to become internationally recognized for construction and restoration. Klaric's company has built and beautified some 50 historically significant churches and university institutions in the United States, including the restoration of St. Louis Cathedral and construction of 50-story granite Southwestern Bell Headquarters in downtown St. Louis. John Klaric was born in the town of Drivenik (selo Klarici), Hrvatsko Primorje, in Croatia, to Mate and Katarina Katunar Klaric. His brother Matt was born one year later. When John and Matt started grade school, their schoolmates called them "Amerikanci" because their grandfather, father, and uncles had been to America. Supporting their family from overseas, the men would return to Croatia periodically before going back to work in St. Louis, Missouri. John's father had prepared to bring John's mother and the boys to the United States in 1927. However, because of the Great Depression, the trip was postponed for ten years-until September 1937. John was fifteen years old, and Matt was fourteen, when they set off for America. Life in a rather primitive village had not prepared them for the life they viewed from the train as they traveled through the cities of Western Europe. When they reached the French port city of Cherbourg, they boarded the Cunard White Star ship, the Berengaria. Since John's father was a citizen of the United States, John and Matt were told that they would be citizens as soon as they set foot on United States soil. It was a meaningful and exciting moment for them to feel they belonged to this new country. John's father had died before the boys reached St. Louis. Instead, the boys were greeted at the train station by Aunt Helen and Uncle John Klaric. Uncle John told them their grandfather had helped to build the train station they were in, before the turn of the century. Aunt Helen and Uncle John became very important in John's life. Their support and encouragement were invaluable in all his future decisions.

They learned quickly; John was able to graduate with his contemporaries from junior high and then completed his four years of high school. He was considering attending college, but in that time war clouds were already forming in Europe. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, America was outraged. Shortly after that unprovoked attack, John and many other young Americans volunteered for duty. John's naval unit was attached to the Third Marine Division, Second Raider Regiment. Guadalcanal was the first United States offensive against the Japanese forces. The fighting men endured brutal combat there and on other Pacific Islands. John and Ira Hayes-the Native American who helped to raise the American flag on Iwo Jima-were foxhole buddies on the island of Bougainville.

At the war's close, John was discharged from the Navy on December 23, 1945. The following month he enrolled at St. Louis University to study Civil Engineering. Four years later he completed his studies at the University of Missouri. In May 1950, John married Marilee Ann Prendergast, whose grandparents came from Ireland and settled in Princeton, Illinois. John and Marilee were blessed with three children: Marion, William, and Elizabeth, and then seven grandchildren: Gregory, Jessica, Christine, Lindsay, John, Theresa, and Zachary. That same year John received his license to be a masonry contractor. Not long after, he received a contract to perform stonework and other masonry on a large Catholic church, St. Martin of Tours. Uncle John Klaric had an outstanding reputation as a stonemason in St. Louis, and he became John's superintendent. John's brother Matt joined the company as foreman. After World War 11, the demand for commercial buildings and religious institutions catapulted Klaric Contracting Company into the biggest economic expansion St. Louis had ever experienced. Over the years, Klaric Contracting had the opportunity to restore and improve many beautiful and famous buildings. John's company also restored the St. Louis Cathedral. John even met Ivan Mestrovic when Klaric Contracting Company was setting a Mestrovic sculpture of Pope Pius XII in front of the Pope Pius XII Library on the campus of St. Louis University.

John has returned to visit Croatia many times and has enjoyed visiting his birthplace and renewing his kinship with his relatives. Also during that time, Sveti Dujam, Drivenik's parish church, was in need of repair. The church was 400 years old, and the Klaric family had worshipped there for generations. John's mother made certain that John and Matt donated the money needed to repair Sveti Dujam. Professor Marion Haberle, an architect and professor at the University of Zagreb, asked John to come to Zagreb to inspect the Zagreb Cathedral because extensive repairs were being considered. Father Antun Ivandija, Professor Haberle, and John inspected the cathedral and John published their conclusions in the Croatian Catholic Union's Nasa Nada and the Croatian Fraternal Union's Zajednicar.

As we all know, in 1991 Jugoslavija was coming apart. As a Croatian-American, John called a meeting of Croats in the St. Louis area. The meeting was held at St. Joseph's Croatian Church hall, where everyone who attended agreed that immediate steps must be taken to give aid to our people in their dire need. Thus, a legal non-profit organization was formed to be known as the American Croatian Relief Project (ACRP). The response to the organization was overwhelming. Klaric Contracting Company supplied 10,000 square feet of space in their warehouse to store donations. Donations were packed in 20 ton containers and shipped to Croatia on Croatian ships. Sixty containers of food, clothing, medical equipment, and even ambulances were sent in care of Monsignor Vladimir Stankovic, to be distributed by the Croatian Caritas Foundation. John was president of the ACRP for two years. He traveled to Croatia several times to deliver ambulances in the name of Mary Morgich Robert and the ACRP.

A highpoint in John's life occurred in 1988 when he accompanied his daughters, Marion and Beth, to Rome for the canonization of Rose Philippine Duchesne. Beth is a teacher at Sacred Heart Academy in St. Charles, Missouri, where she and Marion finished their elementary and high school education. St. Rose Philippine Duchesne founded Sacred Heart Academy, which was the first school opened west of the Mississippi River. Beth was chosen to do one of the readings at the canonization Mass that was held in St. Peter's Basilica. After the Mass, John and his daughters attended an audience with Pope John Paul 11.

KLICINOVICH-BELL, ANTHONY “TONY” Policeman-Military

Anthony J. Bell (Klicinovich) was born on September 1, 1902 in the village of Postire, Island of Brac, Dalmatia. Croatia. He joined the Slavonic Society in 1931. He campaigned for a stronger society advocating changes to guarantee the longevity of the society. He actively participated in the building of the Slavonic Cultural Center, admittance of women into the SMBS, rewriting of the constitution and by-laws, and participated in many comniittees. His two years as president provided the groundwork in streamlining the operation of the SMBS and the promotion of high ethical standards in the club by his successful term of office. Tony was appointed a sworn member of the San Francisco Police Department on September 11, 1934. This was one of the most cherished moments in his life- becoming a police officer in San Francisco. Tony was one of the founding fathers of the San Francisco Police Officers’ Association, and he formally participated in this organization’s incorporation in 1946. Tony was a fighter for right and benefits for San Francisco police officers. His loyalty and dedication to the Police Association did not stop when his police career ended in 1964. For eight years Tony served on the POA’s Board of Directors most ably representing the retired members. For 18 years Tony volunteered his time every Friday to assist the Association’s office staff. These efforts will never be forgotten because they were so unusual. Tony’s heart was always with the Association he helped form, incorporate and develop. Tony was and active member in the Police Veterans Post. He was also the executive officer of a volunteer neighborhood watch organization in Oakland. The work and service that Tony accomplished will long remain as will memories of his deep felt affection for the Police Officers’ Association and its entire membership. Tony was “one of a kind”-a truly outstanding human being. Tony was a life long member of the Slavonic Society of San Francisco.

Tony has received awards from local governments, TV and radio, various police officer's associations, and from the SMBS. Highlights of Tony's recent 80th birthday celebration at our Slavonic Cultural Center was the receipt of birthday greetings from the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and his wife, Nancy. Tony has a daughter, Frances Biggins, and two grandsons. Tony is married to Alene who was the first woman to join the SMBS. Tony, Alene, Frances and the grandchildren are all participants in the SMBS Building Fund. Tony's life was touched with tragedy with the loss of two children, Russell and Antoinette, at early ages. Brother Tony's spirit, achievements and dedication in making the SMBS a better society could be best described by Tony's recent statement to this writer, "I am dedicated to the perpetuation of our heritage and language and I am constantly striving to upgrade our image."

KLISURA, KATHERINE Banking

Katherine was born June 30, 1907 in San Francisco. In 1917 her family moved to Los Angeles where her education was completed. She attended UCLA, USC and the American Institute of Bankers. A good deal of her education was assisted by scholastic prizes for achievement. Klisura was a prominent worker among Croatians, always interested in their welfare, and was a contributor to various California newspapers

KLOBUCHAR, JOHN Restaurants-Military

John Klobucar, namesake of the Big John Steak & Onion, is not a large guy. "I'm not so big, am l?" the 5-foot10 Klobucar said with a laugh when asked about the moniker. "Actually, I'm shrinking." Secondly, although he's a selfmade millionaire because of his successful restaurant chain, Klobucar joked about his business acumen. "I don't know if I'm a good businessman, but I am a damn good cook," he said. "That's what I love to do." And last, his real name is Klobuchar, not Klobucar. A mixup on his birth certificate when he joined the Navy in 1942 seemed insignificant, and he took on his newly spelled last name. He is a member of Flint, Michigan Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 561. Actually, Klobucar doesn't care what you call him as long as you're enjoying those steak, onion and cheese subs.

The son of Croatian immigrants, David and Madeline Klobuchar, who initially settled in Eveleth, Minnesota, Klobucar's family moved to Flint in 1929 during the Depression. Living on Flint's east side, Klobucar graduated from Central High School in the 1940s. After working at AC Spark Plug, Klobucar joined the Navy and was part of a World War 11 flight crew. "I was no war hero" is all he'll say about that period of his life.

After returning to Flint, Klobucar worked in a factory before opening his first restaurant in 1949, The Old Trail Inn, on Dort Highway near Court Street in Flint. But Klobucar and his partner split up three years later. He later became a salesman for restaurant supplies, but in 1955 bought a building near Dort Highway and Lapeer Road in Flint and named it "Johnny's Cross Road Pizza and Barbecue." In 1961, Klobucar decided to remodel his restaurant and obtain a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. "It's still there," he said. "And I still own it." A later trip to Florida gave him another idea - to market his own brand of Philly cheese steak hoagies that he had enjoyed there. "I said, 'I know Flint is a hot dog town, but maybe this will work there,'" he recalled. So in 1972, Big John Steak & Onion was born. Following the KFC logo tradition, Klobucar used his own picture as a logo. I wanted to personalize it, give it a franchise look," he said. He said grilling the meats in front of customers and cooking their sandwich to order is part of the appeal. Klobucar shares his wealth with loyal employees, whom he calls part of the corporate family, by letting them own and operate their own franchises. He also donates to his favorite charities, but won't blow his own horn or tell where he spreads the wealth. "Money is a good thing to make so you can give it away," he said. He said Big John will open restaurants in Clio and Grand Blanc Township this year, which also will mean new employees.

KNAUS, JOHN V. Military-Attorney

John Knaus was a Colonel, Chief Claims Service, U.S. Armed Forces U.S.A. in Japan. Born November 22, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois; married with four children. Educated at De Paul University, Chicago, Illinois, LL.B., 1948 with a major field in law. Military experience:1941-42 Aviation Cadet, Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas; Bombadier Trainee, Midland Air Force Base, Texas; 1942-43 Bombardier Instructor, Columbia AFB, Columbia, South Carolina. Instructor-Interpreter for Yugoslav combat crews, David Monthan AFB, Tucson, Arizona. Southern Italy - flew fifty missions. Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal - three oak leaf clusters; World War II Victory Medal; Army Commendation Ribbon; Air Force Commendation Ribbon; American Campaign Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Award; Presidential Unit Citation - one oak leaf cluster; European-Mediterranean Campaign Medal with eight battle stars.

KNAUS, VINCENT Attorney-Editor

Vincent L. Knaus was born October 19, 1902, in Chicago, the son of Vincent Knaus and Magdalena Vodnica Knaus, both Croatians. His father arrived in Chicago about 1888, and became naturalized on October 6, 1894, one of the first Croatians in that city to become naturalized in the Superior Court of Cook County, Illinois. Mr. Knaus attended the N. J. Thorp and the St. Patrick's Grammar schools in South Chicago, and was graduated from St. Patrick's High School in June, 1920, completing the four year course in three years. He was graduated from the DePaul Univeristy Law School with the LL. B. degree in 1924, and from the graduate school of John Marshall Law School In June, 1930, with the J. D. degree. Like many another American young man, Mr. Knaus worked at various jobs while he attended school. In the late summer of 1919 he worked as a machinist's helper at the American Bridge Company, Curtiss, Indiana. In 1920 he was an oiler for the E. J. and E. Railroad Company of Chicago, and a yard clerk for the Belt Railroad Company of Chicago from April, 1920, to August, 1925. In August, 1925, he became associated with John J. Poulton, a former member of the Illinois legislature. Since his admission to the bar in 1925, Mr. Knaus has practiced continuously ill Chicago. Following his admission to law practice, in rapid succession he was admitted to practice in the United States District Court Northern District of Illinois, and before the United States Treasury Department. Mr. Knaus has held many responsible positions in his profession. From the presidency of the South Chicago Bar Association he became the chairman of the Board of Governors of the Bar Association. He has been vice president, secretary, and chairman of the Unauthorized Practice Committee. He is chairman of the Catholic Action Committee, and of the Post War Committee of the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Illinois State Bar Association, the American Ear Association, the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, the Croatian Catholic Union, and scores of other organizations. During World War II he was very active in defense leagues, the Red Cross, the U. S. 0., defense bond and stamp sales, and other forms of war services. He was honored by the American Legion for his outstanding work on the Selective Service Board, and for his interest in the welfare of veterans and their families. Mr. Knaus is a member of many Chicago organizations, and enjoys the respect of all Americans and Croatians. He is Editor of the Croatian American Historical Review. He is married to the former Dorothy Kelly, and lives with his wife and three children at 8926 Haiper Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

KNEGO, PETER Writer-Photographer-Maritime Historian

He has produced an excellent CD-Rom featuring over 2,000 interior and exterior images of some of the world`s greatest passenger liners. Also within the 999 pages there are "rare" ships featured alongside classic ships such as the American Star(formerly America-Australis), Achille Lauro, Canberra, Constitution, Rotterdam V and the Scandinavia are all featured prominently. This CD-Rom is the culmination of 5 years research and world wide travelling to acquire information and photographs. In 1960, Peter Knego developed an interest in ocean liners and cruise ships at an early age. In 1973, his 7 grade American History class required a paper on the Lusitania. After researching the subject, young Knego became enamoured with the beauty and power of the great transatlantic liners. The hobby grew into a life-long passion with Knego devoting his time and efforts to researching the history of all liners. After his first visit to the S/S Arcadia on 20 January 1974, few passenger ships would call at Los Angeles without a visit from camera-clad Knego. As he matured and his camera skills (and cameras) evolved, his commitment to documenting the fragile world of cruise ships held forth. In 1992, his photographic efforts would include video, and out of this a series of videos entitled "The World's Passenger Fleet" was born. In 1997 Knego joined forces with instructional media + magic to create the first commercially-available enthusiast-oriented CD ROM on 150 of today's current and recent liners. This ground-breaking project took on the name of Knego's earlier video series. In the meantime, Knego continues to pursue and document liners throughout the world in a never-ending quest to preserve the history of the vanishing "classic" passenger ships. Knego is a member of the Steamship Historical Society of America, The World Ship Society, and the Ocean Liner Society. His articles and photographs have been published in a variety of sources, such as: Ships Monthly, Voyages, Sea Lines and the Millergram. Knego also enjoys lecturing about his favorite subject both ashore and afloat. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from U.C.L.A., is a successful record promoter, and currently lives in Moorpark, California.

KNEGO, PETER V. Restaurant-Fuel-Croatian Activities

Born in Brgat near Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia, in 1884. Came to America in 1903 and for the first three years resided in Truckee, California. Settled in San Francisco in 1906 and for several years was engaged in the restaurant business. Engaged in fuel business since 1921. He is a member of the Croatian Sokol of San Francisco , which he joined twenty-one years ago, and has served as its President for nearly half of that period. This office he now occupies. He has also been President of the Slavonic Mutual and Benevolent Society; Croatian Unity of the Pacific; Past President of the Croatian Benevolent Society Zvonimir (now Zvonimir-Dalmatia); and Past President of the Croatian Grand Sokol Lodge of the Pacific. In addition to these offices, Mr. Knego has served on numerous local committees which had been organized for various special purposes, ordinarily as chairman. The enumeration of the offices which Mr. Knego has held or is holding today does not, however, sufficiently describe his activities. He is not merely an officeholder, but contributes all his energy and experience toward the success of the work on hand. Indeed, very few men in public life undertake their functions with as much zeal and altruism as he does. It is this quality which makes him a desirable associate in whatever the task might be. His presence is invariably a guarantee that the work will be done, and done well. Due to his many-fold activities, his personal sacrifices in behalf of every good cause, his sound judgment and personal integrity, Mr. Knego is today one of the most popular Croatians in San Francisco.

KNEZEVICH, DONALD E. Tamburitza Hall of Fame-Composer-Teacher

Tamburitza music has been a major part of Donald E. Knezevich's life for the past 45 years. He is a respected musician, was a beloved teacher, a writer of original Tamburitza compositions, developed and wrote an instructional book for Tamburitza students and conducted adult and junior Tamburitza groups. Mr. Knezevich is also an educator. He retired from the Beaver, Pennsylvania Area School System in 1993 after 33 years as a public school teacher. His teaching encompassed high school band, instrumental music and elementary school vocals. He was dubbed with the nickname, "Mr. K", during his years as a young teacher/director of the Jadran junior Tamburitza group in the late 1950s ... a nickname which has stayed with him to this day. To honor this remarkable career, Mr. Knezevich has been chosen as one of six 1995 inductees to the TAA Hall of Fame. Mr Knezevich began his music career as a high school student in East Chicago, Indiana. He took professional accordion lessons and played the clarinet and saxophone in the Washington (Ind.) High School band and orchestra. He was also a member of the prestigious CYO band of Chicago and was a featured accordion soloist in adult Tamburitza concerts in the South Chicago area. In 1956 he graduated from the Duquesnes University School of Music, and earned a master's degree in music in 1959. As an undergraduate, he was selected to perform in the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, which toured France, Italy and Croatia during the summer of 1952. He was named director of the Duquesne Tamburitzans following his graduation in 1956. "Mr. K" began his career in public education in the Aliquippa, Pennsylvania School System in 1960. From 1959 to 1972, Mr. Knezevich directed the Jadran, Midland and the New Brighton Tammies, groups which participated in every junior Federation Tamburitza Festival at that time. Under his leadership, the Jadran and Midland tammies groups recorded long-play albums which included many of Mr. Knezevich's own compositions and arrangements. "Mr. K" retired in 1973, to spend more time with his family. However, after about 10 years, he answered the call to return from retirement as director of the Sevdah Adult Tamburitzans of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge #540 in Conway, Pennsylvania. Three years later, he resumed his directorship of the Jadran group and led the two groups on three tours of Croatia. In recognition of his work with Tamburitza and modern combos, Mr. Knezevich was inducted to the Beaver Valley Musicians Hall of Fame in 1993. He also served as guest conductor of the special Junior Tarnburitza Festival celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Croatian Fraternal Union in 1994. Mr. Knezevich and his wife, Millie, live in Conway with their son, James, and daughter, Christine.-His mother, Mary, also lives in the Beaver Valley area.

KNEZEVICH, JOHN Newspaper Editor

John Knezevich arrived in the United States in 1913 when he was 14 years of age. After two and a half years in St. Louis, Missouri, he moved to Los Angeles, California. His first job was working for the first Croatian newspaper in Los Angeles, Novo Vreme (The News Times) published by the late Baldo Skar-Skaramucha from Dubrovnik. He was an honest man and a most devoted Croatian. Then, John Knezevich with Danilo Chabraya started the Jugoslavenski Zurnal, in 1919. Chabraya soon gave up publishing. Thereafter began publishing Jedinstvo (Unity). John Knezevich’s offices and printing shop were on the spot of the present City Hall of Los Angeles.  At the same time several other Slav papers sprung up.  The late Frane Akacic from Oakland, California, moved his Jadran (Adriatic) to Los Angeles, this was a Croatian paper. Also, the late Victor Vodvodich published a magazine Sokol (the Falcon). Also, the late Spiro Grassi from Split, Dalmatia, published a periodical. Then one Dr. Leposava Djordovich published a magazine once a month. Also the late Milan Sokolovich, a Communist. “It was picnic when we all would meet in my office.  I was on speaking terms with all of them, that, I could not say for the rest. After I gave up publishing the Jedinstvo, I refunded the unexpired subscriptions to all subscribers.” John J. Knezevich

KNEZOVICH, JOHN Baseball-Military

Brother John was the youngest son of Ivan and Matija Knezovich, both of Rascana, Dalmacija, Croatia. John's parents migrated here to Oakland, California in the early 1900s where they settled and opened a family grocery store. They raised five children, Mary Valerio, Katherine Cetinich, Eva Salle, Steve Dragi Knezovich and brother John Knezovich. All of their children married Croatian descendants from the Dalmatian coast. This made their parents very, very happy. John, as a young adult, was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Team, and he played on their farm league. But John had to leave this career when he entered World War 11. He was in the Army Air Base Wings, and he spent a treacherous game of island hopping, invading one island after another as the United States forces crept ever closer to Japan. John was injured with a piece of shrapnel which he carried with him in his shoulder the rest of his life. This was the reason he never returned to professional baseball. John worked as a sheet metal man after he left the army. He married Lucille Chumo in 1949 in Oakland. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage last year, but Lucille preceded John in a sudden death in 1997. John and Lucille were parents to two children, John Peter Knezovich and Nicoline Mathea Knezovich, both of Walnut Creek. John Peter lived with his parents his entire life, and misses their presence deeply. Nicoline and her husband George and their three children Kayla, Keegan and Konnor all miss their loving Papa and Nana. John worked for over 40 years as a sheet metal man after leaving the army. He enjoyed gardening, painting, remodeling, building fences and pruning his fruit trees, especially his pomegranate trees. John spent 35 years during his spare time coaching youth Little League Baseball, sharing with others his passion for a sport that he loved so much. He taught hundreds of children for 35 years in Little League, and he was known all over the Contra Costa County as Mr. K the coach and teacher for Spring, Summer and Winter Training for baseball. Brother John Knezovich had just reached 50 years of Golden Membership with the Croatian Fraternal Union. He died at the age of 79, the day after his birthday on February 29, 2000 in Walnut Creek, California. At his funeral, many of his former students ranging from ages 8 to 30 attended, wearing their "Mr. K" Baseball caps and shirts. As a final tribute, John Knezovich was escorted out of the church to the tune of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame,"with many of his present and former Little Leaguers singing his favorite song and his pallbearers wearing baseball caps.

KOCIJAN, DIOMIRA Sister Catholic

Born on the Island of Olib, Croatia in 1933 and immigrated to San Francisco in 1947 where her father Benjamin lived and worked without his family for years until after WW II when he was able to bring them to the USA.  She and her mother and sisters were among the first to leave Olib after WWII. She went to the convent in 1956 in the order of the SIsters of St. Joseph of Orange, California and is still there today.

KOJICH, NIKOLA Restaurant-Fisherman-Croatian Activities

In the year 1906 Nikola Kojich of Babino Polje came straight to Oakland and stayed there until 1919. Soon after his arrival in America he became a member of the Croatia Benevolent Society "Tomislav" of Oakland, lodge number 356 of the National Croatian Union. In 1918 he was elected to represent the Croatian Benevolent Society "Tomislav" at a convention of the Union in Chicago. From 1918 to 1926 Nikola Kojich was a member of the Union's main board and actively took part in the organization. When the first Croatian Sokol club was created on the Pacific coast in Oakland, Nikola helped to organize it and eventually became its leader. He was also a member of other emigrant organizations. From 1914 to 1918, he purchased and ran his own store in Oakland. As this job didn't go very well, in 1919 he moved to Tomales Bay, which is 80 km from San Francisco. There, with his wife Franica's brothers Grga, Miho, and Andrija Matkovich, originally from Hvar, he fished mainly herring. Often he fished alone in his motor launch along the Pacific, from San Diego and San Pedro in Southern California, to Eureke, 320 miles north of San Francisco. His fishing expeditions along the Pacific, usually alone, but sometimes with additional fishermen, were written about in four issues of Oakland's "Narod", arranged by the journalist Frane Akacich. Nikola Kojich owned the seafood restaurant "Nick's Cove" in Tomales Bay. When he was not on the Pacific he was often visited by emigrants, and he went to visit them in Monterey, San Pedro and other cities also. He died in 1961, without ever having had children.

KOLAK, MARIA L. Pediatrician

Maria Kolak is a pediatrician in New York City and resides at Forest Hills, New York. Born July 29, 1932 to Croatian parents in Brooklyn, New York. Education included IX Gymnasium, Zagreb, Croatia, 1957; Medical Faculty, University of Zagreb, M.S., 1959 with a major field in Medicine and a specialty in Pediatrics. Post Graduate courses at New York Polyclinic Medical School and Hospital in1961/62. Member American Medical Association. Rotating Intern, Columbus Hospital New York City 1960; Resident in Medicine, Goldwater Memorial Hospital, New York City 1961; Chief Resident in Medicine, Goldwater Memorial Hospital, New York City 1962; Resident in Pediatrics, Brookdale Hospital Center, New York City 1963-64. Published Angiotehsin Skin Test - AMA 1961; Kidney Entact in Secondary Hyperaldosteronism - Circulation, Oct. 1962.

KOLAR, WALTER W. Music Tamburitza-Author

Managing Director of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Born November 8, 1922 in Ambridge, Pennsylvania; married with one child. Education includes Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1942-43; Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, B.E.,1950; Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, M. Ed., 1960; Duquesne Univ., Pittsburgh (Langs.1960-62) with a major field in Educational Psychology and a specialty in Guidance-Counseling. Creative works Composition for Tamburitza; "Fantasy on Folk Themes," for symphony; Annual Folk Music Productions with the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. Published Tamburitzan, Vols. I - IV (1958-62). Tamburitza Instruction for Beginners. University Press, 1958, Pittsburgh, Duquesne Limited edition; Christmas in Croatia, Pittsburgh, Duquesne University Press, 1960; Limited edition, Tamburitza arts and related fields; General field of Slavic folklore. Research in A history of the Tambura; A. Tamburitza encyclopedia; The Tambura in America.

KOLEGA, BRUNO Physician

Cafritz Memorial Hospital, Washington, D.C. Born August 27, 1922, in Kali, Dalmatia, Croatia; Married with three children; American citizen since 1957. Education included Classical Gymnasium, Sibenik, Croatia, Graduate 1942; Rome, Italy. M.D., 1951; Polyclinic Medical School, New YorkCity, New York 1955-1956 with a major field in Medicine and General Surgery. Thesis 1951 "La Voce Indentica Del Gemelli Identici, University of Rome, Italy, Residence and study. Member of American Medical Association; American Academy of General Practice.

KOLEGA, VLATKO Fisherman

Vlatko Kolega, born in Kali, Croatia, 1937. He started fishing on his dads boat in Kali in the early 50's. After finishing high school, instead of coming home, he was kidnapped and taken to Italy with his dads cargo schooner ship. He was sixteen years of age and spent two years in a refugee camp there, Camp Frashette. He eventually made it to New York, stayed there for two years and moved west to San Pedro, California.

In 1963, he bought a fishing boat, Pevan, and went salmon fishing in southeast Alaska, around Ketchikan. He met many Croatian fisherman there. They came from all over, especially Tacoma, Anacortes, Gig Harbor, and the Pacific Northwest. They've been coming up there since the beginning of the 20th century, most with Croatians as part of their crews. They were hard working crew and fisherman and were known for this in the fishing community.

After one summer there, he came back to San Pedro and in 1964, with a friend, bought a boat in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The name of the boat was AR-7. It was a small 32ft wooden boat, which is the limit for this area even today. In the beginning there was only a few Croatian fisherman in the Bristol Bay. The Brother's Viljusic from San Pedro had a seven boat fleet for their company (1964). Another man, Mr. Racic, started building boats for Bristol Bay in San

Pedro. By 1968, there were about 27 Croatian fishing boats in the Bristol Bay area. In 1964 we hoisted a Croatian flag up in Naknek for the first time for the

4th of July festivities.

As the years progressed, more and more Croatian fisherman came up to the Bristol Bay to fish for sockeye salmon. The first boat that my dad had burned down in 1966 from a cannery fire. His second boat, King Tomislav, he fished with his partner Ante Huljev (San Pedro). They fished together on this boat for

ten years. After that he bought his own boat, King Kresimir. In Alaska, a number of the Croatian fishing boats had Croatian names; Zrinski, Jadran, Kornat, Queen of Croatia, Zadar, Danica, and Croatia, to name a few. Most of the fleet fly both the Croatian and American flags, even to this date.

Before the fisherman (ribari) left for the fishing season in Alaska, it was a tradition to have a Fisherman's Night party at the Croatian Club in San

Pedro. This was one of the biggest celebrations of the year, with fishing nets, music, dance, food, and even a selection of a queen for the night. My dad was

one of the original founders of the club which opened on December 10, 1972. This was the first Croatian Club on the west coast. Today, the Croatian fishing fleet is still there, but it is diminishing in size. We lost a few boats to fire and weather in Alaska. We lost fisherman on the sea and shore through the years. After 40 years in Alaska, my dad is still fishing in the Bristol Bay. He has a new boat, F/V Sea Fire, which he acquired in 1989. We still proudly fly the Croatian flag on all Croatian boats in Alaska. His sons, Martin and Tomislav, also came up to the Bay during the summers to help out.

Since 1963, after the fishing season in Alaska, my dad came to the Puget Sound to fish on his boat, Pevan. He fished here for four different species of salmon. He ended up settling down in Anacortes, Washington in 1974 and started a family. There was a large Croatian population living there because it reminded them of the Dalmatian coast. Most of them decendants from the island of Korcula. They owned canneries, shipyards, and had a big fishing fleet. Some of these are still here today, including Anton Lovric's shipyard in Anacortes and Martinolic in Tacoma. My dad also fished for dungeness crabs in 1968 around the islands of the Puget Sound. He just recently sold his license and pots, as well as his boat of over 40 years, Pevan. He still goes to Bristol Bay, Alaska to fish for salmon. One day hoping to retire from fishing and instead return to the Adriatic and the islands that he left in his young age.

KOLIBASH , ALBERT J. Doctor-Military

Albert Kolibash is a Medical Doctor in the U. S. Navy, U.S.S. Chilton (LPA 38) F.P.O. New York. Born July 26, 1941 of Croatian parents in Wheeling, W. Virginia; married with two children. Presently serving as squadron medical officer for Amphibious Squadron 2 aboard U.S.S. Chilton. Education included W. Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Virginia. A.B., June 1963; W. Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Virginia, M.D., May 1967; Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia Internship, June 1968; Passed National and State Board of Medical Examiners. Licensed to practice medicine in the state of W. Virginia. Major field Medicine with a specialty in Internal medicine. Member of Croatian Fraternal Union of America; Alpha Epsilon Delta (Honorary Pre-med. Society); Phi Beta Kappa; Alpha Omega Alpha (Medical Honor Society); Phi Beta Pi (Medical Social Fraternity).

KOLICH, RUDY Tamburitza Hall of Fame

On September 9, 2000, brother Rudy Kolich, a 50 year member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 600 in Massillon, Ohio was inducted into the Tamburitza Hall of Fame. The following biography of brother Rudy appeared in the TAA souvenir program book: Music has been part of Rudy Kolich's life for over 60 years, fifty of those have been focused on tamburitza music. Self taught and proficient on bugaria, prim, slap bass, mandolin -- tamburitza music is an important part of Rudy's life. Born in 1928 to Karl and Anna Matasich Kolich, Rudy started playing trumpet in the sixth grade, switching to tuba for the high school marching band, and standup bass for the school orchestra. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Navy, during which time he played mandolin with a small combo. After his discharge from the service, he went to work at Republic Steel, retiring in 1990 after 46 years of service. In 1951, Rudy married Mary Gullias. They have two daughters, Linda Morock .and Kathy, and a four-year old grandson, Steven. Rudy began his tamburitza music career in 1949, playing prim with the Plavi Jadran T amburitzans of Massillon, Ohio. In 1954, he became a member of the Djoko Pribich Tamburitzans, playing bugaria. Throughout the 50s, this group could be heard almost every weekend, playing for the Croatian and Serbian communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania. On Sundays Plavi Jadran was featured on & WTIG Massillon Radio Station. In the early 60s, Rudy founded the Continental Four, playing both stand-up and electric bass. Along with Mirko Roknich and several others, the band, played both American and tarnburitza music and was booked solid for several yearss the bookings for tamburitza music increased, the Continental Four was disbanded and, in 1965, the Mirko Roknich Orchestra was formed with Mirko on accordion, Rudy on bugaria Artie Krpaj on cello and brac, and Lou Vuich on bass, the orchestra entertained tamburitza music lovers for almost 30 years. In the mid-80s, the group added Jerry Grcevich on prim and brac and Bob Sestili replaced Lou on bass. In the 70s, the orchestra produced three albums and entertained from Canada to the Caribbean. Appearances included the annual Tamburitza Extravaganzas, Kennywood Park's Serbian Day and boat ride on the Monongahela River, and Serbian national golf tournaments in locations as far away as Arizona, Florida, and California. During several of these appearances, the orchestra had the honor of accompanying the late Vinka Ellison as well as various artists from Europe. The group was also selected on two occasions to entertain guests on the cruise ship Festivale; a highlight of these cruises was providing entertainment at the traditional Captain's Ball. Over the years, Rudy has always been ready to lend a helping hand to promote the appreciation of tamburitza music. Whether it was filling in if a band was short handed or donating his time teaching so that a student could audition for the Duquesne U n i v e r s i t y Tamburitzans, Rudy's love of the music was apparent. Although officially retired from playing music since 1995, you can still find Rudy playing with Prijatelji of Akron, Ohio, or just jamming with friends. In addition to being involved in music, Rudy was recently honored as a 50-year member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. 'He is also a member of -the Serbian National Federation.

KOLLANDER, AUGUST Travel-Cultural Activities

Kollander World Travel, Inc., a travel agency, also serves many Croatians in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1923 by August Kollander Sr., the agency booked primarily passengers for transatlantic travel by steamship between the United States and Europe, specifically to Slovenia and Croatia. In the late 1950’s, August Kollander and his wife Maja, both graduates of the University of Zagreb, took over the business and promoted travel to Europe and other international destinations with special emphasis on Croatia and Slovenia. Since 1991, the Kollanders have sponsored refugee and orphaned children in Croatia. They have been instrumental in organizing benefit cruises to the Caribbean and most recently the Adriatic coast to help raise funds, as well as to increase awareness of the plight of children victimized by the war in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Biserka Sankovic, a Croatian born singer, hosted several of the Kollander tours, including the cruise to the Croatian Adriatic to help children who lost a parent in the war. Donations were made to both the Dora Foundation of the Croatian Fraternal Union as well as the Action for Life Foundation of the Croatian Catholic Union.

KOLUDROVICH, VICTOR B. Physician

Victor Koludrovich is a physician and Staff Member, Doctors Hospital, Cleveland Hts., Ohio. Born January 26, 1922 in Split, Croatia; Married with four children and an American citizen since 1957. Education includes Classical Gymnasium, Split, Croatia. Graduate,1941; University Di Bari, Italy, M.D., 1950; Internship, Marymount Hospital, Garfield Hts., Ohio 1952-53; Residency, Internal Medicine, Marymount Hospital, Garfield Hts Ohio 1953-54; Residency, Obst.-Gyn. Marymount Hospital 1954-55. Member of American Medical Association; American Academy of General Practice; Staff Member Marymount Hospital, Garfield Hts. Ohio 1955;

KONATICH, TONY Oyster and Fish Restaurant

One Marin county writer has nicknamed the eastern shore of Tomales Bay "Iz" after the Dalmatian island on the Adriatic Sea, largely because some of the local residents are Croatians who originated there. "The inhabitants of Iz are gentle, friendly and civilized people' he says. There’s nothing in the way of action at Marshall but a couple of restaurants and some fishing boats. But the nothing, the no-action, is precisely the appeal of this little station midway along the eastern shore of Tomales Bay, that 10-mile, watery expanse of healing serenity- nude hills and gentle waves changing color and feeling as the light builds into afternoon then dies away. It;s just eight miles north of Pt. Reyes Station (roughly 50 miles from the City), and as the peaceful finale to an active day on Pt. Reyes Seashore, or even as a escapist destination in and for itself, dinner at Marshall can be very rewarding. Of Marshall’s two restaurants, Tony’s is not the chic place where the Beautiful People gather. Tony’s- paper-napkin plain and functional, but with window tables on the water- is the traditional spot for Marin ranchers and fishermen, as well as people from afar who know of its specialties. Tony’s has been here for 30 years- “the oldest place on the Bay”- and it needs no glitter to fill is tables. Tony’s allure is fish and shellfish, crystalline-fresh from the local waters, simply cooked and served at prices city-dwellers can’t believe are real. On Saturday and Sunday there’s a particular treat, which alone draws many people, On a windowed porch at the far end, two cooks barbecue oysters on order, over charcoal in one of those hooded, globular grills. Behind the bar is Felix Konatich, and waiting table is his wife Anna. Both came from Croatia’s Dalmatian coast- Felix in 1935, coming directly to Marshall to join his fisherman father, and Anna in 1946. Their sons John and Anton now fish commercially out of Marshall and supply the restaurant’s fresh catch.

KONIK, IVAN Tamburitza

Ivan Konik, born in Cepin, the Croatian region Slavonia, came to Detroit in 1940, but after few months moved to Los Angeles, California.  In Croatia he was a member of the Croatian National Theatre in Osijek and singing society “Zrinski”. As a talented singer and musician he performed all over America for many years with tamburitsa orchestras Biser, Hajduk, Crlenica Brothers and Mirko Kolesar. He was the best known for Croatian folk songs especially Bosnian “sevdalinke”. He made several records with Continental and Slavtone recording companies.

KONJEVOD, IVAN B. Croatian Activities-War Veteran

Ivan was born January 23, 1888 in Selo Burmazi, Hercegovina and immigrated to the United States in 1906. He arrived in New York, and then moved to Los Angeles to live near his brother Luka. After his arrival in Los Angeles he joined Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 177 and remained an active member throughout his life. In 1914 Ivan enlisted in the United States Army and served overseas when America entered the WW I. When the war ended he was hired by the Los Angeles School District from which he retired after 26 years. Ivan never forgot his native land and often visited his brothers and sisters in his home village after his retirement. He died 29 January 1978.

KONSCAK, FERDINAND California is not an Island

Spain allowed foreign missionaries in the New World after 1644. Prior to that only Spanish missionaries were permitted in Spanish America. The Jesuit order pioneered the Southwest and California.

The Pole, Bohemian, Moravian, Austrian and Croatian priests contributed to the history of the Southwest and California. It was not a pure Spanish-Italian contribution. A few of the Priests in this area were Bischoff, Tirsch, Link, Inamma, Tempis, Porohradiski, Bac, Sterkianowski and Ratkay. Baron Ivan Ratkay, massacred by the Indians of the Southwest in the 1600's was mistakenly called a Hungarian. He was born of a Croatian noble family.

Father Consag

Often spelled Konscak, Konsag and Konschak, was born in the city of Varazdin, Croatia, in 1703. He left Spain for Cuba in 1730, and three years later he arrived in California. He made many trips about the peninsula, seeking desirable places where missions might he established. It is said that while he was on these journeys he carried only a "walking stick and a piece of canvas." After serving on the peninsula for twenty-eight years, he died at the Mission of Bajorca in 1759.

Famous Expedition

In 1744 the Spanish king, Philip V, decreed that the missions in lower California be carried north in order to meet those of Sonora. The Jesuit Provincial, Father Cristobal de Escobar y Llamas, sent a suggestion to King Ferdinand VI that there be issued a royal order to explore the northern reaches of California in order to verify whether the place be an island or a peninsula. The immediate effect of this correspondence was the famous exploring expedition of Fernando Consag. He entered the Jesuit novitiate of Troutchin in Slovakia at the age of sixteen, taught the humanities in Buda, Hungary, and was ordained priest in Gratz, Austria he arrived at Mission San Ignacio and assumed the duties of Taraval. He and Sistiago worked together during the 1730's and expanded the sphere of Christian influence. In 1746 Consag received orders, through Juan Antonio Balthasar, Visitor to California, to make an exploratory tour by sea along the coast and by land north and northwest. The purpose of the expedition by sea was once again to verify that California was not an island.

Remarkable Diary

In pursuance of these official desires, Fernando Consag organized two expeditions from his mission of San Ignacio. The first was by sea up to the mouth of the Colorado, and was launched in June, 1746; the other was by land over the backbone of Califomia's peninsula, and was begun in May, 1751. It was fortunate for the expansion of the California missions and for the set purposes of exploration that a man of Consag's energy had arrived in the peninsula. This Croatian Jesuit was energetic not only in organization and observation, but likewise in literary composition, for he left to posterity a diary of both these major expeditions. Consag's details may be judged from the opening of his diary: "On the ninth day of June, 1746, we departed in four canoes from San Carlos, which lies in twenty-eight degrees north latitude, the shallowness of the water in this harbor admitting only canoes. The watering places of St. Anne are three leagues from it."

The expedition comprised some Yaquis among the thirty Christian Indians and at least six Spanish soldiers. The padre rounds cape after cape, notes the extraordinary tides, and skirts the dangerous Punta de San Gabriel which is opposite San Lorenzo, the largest of the Salsipuedes Islands. He writes of the dangerous current there; of ledges of sunken rocks, graveyard of mariners; of some nights spent ashore, or others in the canoes rolling at anchor; of brackish water; of the visit of Christian Indians. Further to the north heathen Indians came into camp, unafraid and friendly because they had heard that a priest was there.

Los Angeles Bay

Father Consag summed up his achievements and discoveries in a letter of October, 1746 to visitor Balthasar. He had seen two good harbors, both having a supply of fresh water near shore. The one he called Los Angeles is especially protected, says he, by small islands and is guarded from all winds. To this favored spot provisions could he transported from Caborca across the gulf and north of the dreaded Salsipuedes Islands. He was speaking of the excellent Angeles Bay which lies behind the southern end of the island Angelo de la Guarda. He regrets his inability to have explored along the eastern shores. Continuous storms and southeasters prevented this.

Consag Rocks

Consag Rocks at the northern part of the gulf bear the explorer's name, but this hazardous voyage was not the Croatian priest's only claim to fame. Five years later he made a notable journey inland of which he left posterity a minute account, likewise in the form of a diary.

This trek overland and over the mountains to the Pacific was undertaken at the request of Balthasar, now provincial. Consag says he was delayed by epidemics, lack of provisions, and other occupations placed upon him by his Superiors. Finally this land expedition started from a spot which Consag had formerly visited and which he had judged, because of a stream, suitable for a mission. The place lay some leagues north of Mission San Ignacio and he called it La Piadad.

His second diary begins thus-. "From this post of La Piadad, on May 22, 1751, under the patronage of Our Lady of Loreto, to whose marvelous protection is owed the conversion of California, we launched the expedition early in the after noon. There were five soldiers and a sufficient number of Indians on foot."The leader of the soldiers was Don Fernando do Rivera Y Moncada, later governor of Alta California. Modern Californians will be interested in an entry for June 4, 1751, when the party was approaching the Pacific Coast: "The fogs, at least at this time of the year, are dense, and because of this and the wind which constantly blows from the ocean, the nights and the mornings are very cold."

Battled Fogs

How far north had they gone? It seems impossible to say. Consag's geographical explorations are obscure, for the fog which hung over the sea prevented a more exact noting of the contour of the coast and its islands. At the place called Kadazylac the padre said he had reached twenty-nine degrees and forty-seven minutes north parallel. Since this observation the expedition had crept still farther north for two days to the place called Kalvalaga, where the Indian village, emptied of its braves, was situated. Camp was set up here two leagues from the sea. This distance placed the party close to thirty degrees north latitude, if Consag's reckonings be correct, and they well may not have been. In fact, the padre says that Kalvalga is "about thirty degrees toward the southwest."

Supposing, then, that if he was as far north as his calculations indicated, then he had traveled beyond the spacious curve of Viizcaino's Bay and northwest following the coast toward Punta Baja which juts into the sea just below thirty degrees parallel.

This much remains certain: Father Consag and Captain Rivera were two white men who had penetrated by land farther north along the Pacific Coast than had any white men before them.

No white men had ever before made so far and so difficult a journey in this region.

Among Greatest

Father Consag organized a third exploratory expedition in 1753 which further added to his reputation. He made the trek at the request of the official visitor, Augustine Carta, during the months of June and July, even though without spectacular success because of less resistance on the part of the natives, less than during the two previous expeditions. At the Indian village of Los Angeles upon word that the father was coming, they opened up a road over a harsh sierra. On this trip the party went as far north as the bay of San Luis Gonzaga, just south of Isle San Luis.

Some native children were baptized here and a few white adults accompanied the Spaniards back and were incorporated into Mission Santa Gertrudis. The exploring party penetrated to within shouting distance of the southern spurs of the rock ribbed Sierra San Pedro Martir.

Shortly after this venture, Father Consag was made Superior of all the California missions. With Eusebio Francisco Kino of Pimeria Alta and Juan Ugarte, his predecessor in California, Fernando Consag must rank among the earliest and greatest of California explorers.

Untimely Death

Although Father Consag did not reach San Diego or Los Angeles, he pointed the way with his maps and explorations. It was only the the grace of God, his untimely death in 1759, and the order of Jesuit expulsion in 1767 by King Charles 111, that kept Father Consag from the position in history that was granted to Father Junipero Serra. Rivera, who had worked under Father Consag in earlier expeditions, was to lead the first explorations in upper California ten years after his death. This great Croatian explorer who was superior of all the missions of California, and who also verified that California was not an island, has been forgotten by California historians.

This Croatian priest, unknown to Croatian-Americans, is a part of Southern California. No street, town, road or place bears his name in remembrance, but perhaps the local Croatian Colony of Los Angeles will someday erect a statue in his honor.

KOPANICA, PETER J. Oyster Business

Petar J. Kopanica was born in the village of Cesvinice, Dalmatia, Croatia in 1877. His father was a long time teacher in Ston. He came directly to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1893. After his arrival, he started as fisherman in the oyster beds for twenty years. In 1916 he started selling and trading oysters. Kopanica in his business employs several people, shucking oysters and packing them in cans, and with trucks deliver it to customers in the New Orleans area. After living in America for over forty years, Kopanica said; "I worked only three years for somebody else, I was always my own boss". He was a member of Slavonian Society for thirty five years and was the a long standing president and vice president of the organization. He was also a member of the Masonic Order. After spending half of his life in America, he yearns for his homeland, and hopes that last years of his life he can spend in Duba.

KORDEY, IGOR Comic Book Artist

Igor Kordey, a Croatian who immigrated to Canada, witnessed the war and terrorism in the Balkans during the 1990's. Now he draws Cable, a Marvel comic about a hero who fights terrorists in Peru and intervenes in wars in Macedonia. After Sept. 11, Marvel editors asked Mr. Kordey if they should delete a Cable scene in which terrorists drive a truck bomb into a building in Lima. He persuaded his editors to keep the picture. "You are not supposed to put things under the carpet and pretend they don't exist," Mr. Kordey said. New York City 2001.

KORDICH, ANTON Fisherman

Anton Kordich is now the oldest living Dalmatian fisherman in the Puget Sound area. The year was 1903 when he, an eighteen-year-old youth from Komiza, Island of Vis, Croatia emigrated to Washington State. He spent but a month in Bellingham and then traveled to Tacoma where the Radonich boarding house became his temporary home. His first job was at one of the sawmills that dotted the waterfront. He remembered: "It was hard to get a job. At the time, every immigrant seemed to be six feet tall and weigh over 200 pounds. When I stood next to these fellows, my chances for work were nothing. I could outwork any of them, but I weighed only 130 pounds." Kordich was already an experienced fisherman and this was the livelihood he chose for himself in America. In his first fishing venture, Kordich, Nickolas Milasich, and another seaman rowed a boat that was sixteen to eighteen feet long to Whidbey Island. It took the three men almost five days to row the sixty miles. When they came to Clinton, a barn was found, cleared, and cleaned, and it became their home for the season. They fished the waters of Point Pulley, which was then called Three Tree Point. A steamer, a stem wheeler, was hailed with a light and it picked up the day's catch. Kordich recalled: "It was not easy, I tell you. In three months we ate meat only three times, and our wage for that first three months was only thirty dollars."

After this Kordich took the steamer to Fairhaven. In 1904 and 1905, he fished the Columbia River. Being a restless, adventurous young man, and having a strong desire to work, he labored wherever he could find a job. In Portland, he dug ditches for the gas company and did repair work on the dams for the city water company. In Aberdeen, he worked in the sawmills. In 1905, he had a chance to go purse seining with Anton Budrovich. They fished with gear that belonged to Pete and Dominic Constanti. Everything was pulled by hand. The men rowed the boat from West Pass to Tacoma and were considered lucky if they received ten cents a fish. Later, Kordich pursed with Andro Franett. Humpies were sold for three cents apiece and silver salmon for twelve-and-one-

half cents each until the month of August. Then each fish was worth fifteen cents. When the men fished in the fall, some camped on the beach in tents near the fishing grounds, but most Dalmatians found a place to rest near the beach in Gig Harbor where they stayed for two or three months. Often it seemed that the rain would never cease, and rain slickers were continually wet. Kordich remembered some men who never took off their jackets and pants. Stew was cooked in five gallon cans and placed on the rocks. Fish and soup were the diet, for the age of refrigeration had not yet arrived. When a boat made the biggest catch (high boat), a flag was raised so that all the fishermen would know. Top fishermen around the year 1908 were Mitchell and Peter Skansi, Jack Gulimorvich, Pete Lasinovich, Ando Berry, and Plancich. Kordich said, "In 1909, while sockeye fishing with Ted Kunich, we made a killing. Our boat, the Elida, was one of the first motorized purse seiners on the Sound. We fished the San Juan Islands and made $860 that season. They paid us with twenty-dollar gold pieces. When traveling home by steamer, I never took my hands out of my pockets. The money was deposited at the post office, not the bank, in those days. It was a good thing we did well in 1909, for in 1910 we made nothing."

Fishing was better one year later when the Oregon was built. The Oregon, owned by Kordich, Peter Milos, and Jerry Petrich, was the biggest seiner afloat in 1911. The fifty-two-foot vessel, powered by a thirty horsepower Imperial gasoline engine, also had a deck, electric lights, and living quarters for the crew aboard. It was the second boat within the Puget Sound area to be built with a deck, the first being the Seattle boat the Champion. The Oregon, including skiff and net, cost a total of $3,300. Peter Milos was the captain of the Oregon and Kordich the engineer. Milos was responsible for the name. The Oregon seemed like a battleship in comparison to other boats, so she was named after that famous man-o'-war. The Oregon went to Cape Flattery and made nearly $900 to a man clear. The crew made five or six sets a day. Each set took about one-and-one-quarter hours. They left Tacoma on June nineteenth and stayed at Cape Flattery until August twenty-third. Groceries were purchased at Neah Bay. The Port Townsend Cannery's scow met the boats at this location. Some of the men seining that year were Andro Gilich on the Discovery, the Share brothers on the Pioneer and the Advance, and Vlastalisa on the Adriatic. News of the good fortune of the Oregon spread. Kordich said, "We were the first to go out to the Cape. Several other boats followed us out that summer and after we made our money, it seemed like everybody was there." In 1912, the Oregonian was built by the Kordich-Milos-Petrich team. It was a sixty-five-footer that was launched at Old Town's Crawford-Reid yard. In 1918, the Omaha and the Oregon Wolf were built by Martin Petrich of the Western Boat Building Company.

Romance entered Anton Kordich's life when he met Mary Cuculich whose father had settled in 1889 and worked as a longshoreman. In 1915, they were married. By 1919, Kordich captained the Oregonian; Istrian Peter Milos, the Omaha; and the Oregon Wolf was sold to Paul Dorotich, who had previously had a half partnership in this vessel. The New Oregon was built by the Martinac shipyard in 1928. This fiftyeight-foot Alaska-limit seiner was skippered and owned by Kordich. The years have been good to Anton Kordich. This elder statesman and fisherman retired after the 1960-61 season. Kordich had fished every season since his arrival in the United States. Mary, his wife of sixty years, said, "When we celebrated our fiftieth anniversary, Tony had been home for only twenty-five of those years. Being the wife of a fisherman is lonely and difficult. The boats in the early days did not have the safety features and radio equipment of today. When the women stood on the Old Town Dock to wave good-bye, their hearts were in their throats. The sea is so large and the small boats so insignificant." Serving as a captain, owner, and fisherman, Anton Kordich has watched the fishing industry grow. He said: "There were good years and bad years. 1911, 1913, 1917, 1925, 1929, and 1931 were the best fishing years-from th6n until 1942, not much money was made. In 1942, it started to pick up." He has suffered its growing pains. The boats of today have radar, diesel engines, enclosed pilot houses, and -hot water. Gone are the cold freezing days and nights when the wind, the rain, and men stood together. Changes have been made in the methods of fishing. "At first, the skiff that pulled the net off the boat was manned by oars, later a small outboard motor was used for power and then the motor was placed in the middle of the boat. The skiff was built like a big box, high, so the water didn't go over it. I believe Paul Martinis or John Bacoka was the first to make the skiff more effective in this manner. I was one of the first to use the Puretic Power Block. It made work a lot easier. This Power Block helped a lot of people. People started to think differently," said Kordich. Anton Kordich is happy that the days of backbreaking existence are long gone and says, "The fishermen of today are more experienced and use better judgment. I wouldn't want to have anyone go through all the hard work and suffering I have experienced. If I were to immigrate to this country now, I would go fishing, but if I were offered another fifty years to relive the harsh fishing life I've had, I wouldn't take it. I tell you, it was too risky." During his fifty-five years of fishing, Kordich had his share of close calls. Among the best remembered are the incidents which occurred during the summer of 1918 when he was fishing off the mouth of the Columbia River. On August 15, 1918, three crewmen were swept overboard and nearly lost when the seine slid from the turntable aft while the Oregon was bucking the bar. "My net slid overboard with three men on top of it all at once. Fortunately, no one had tied the knot, so no one got caught in it. Three days later the Oregon hit some bad breakers on the bar, and a Coast Guard lifeboat towed the seiner to safety. "There were sharp swells. I saw the rudder and the propeller all out of the water. If it hadn't been for the Coast Guard, I wouldn't be alive today," he said.

Kordich relived another tragedy: In the little boat Oregon coming across the bar in the Columbia River, I was figuring I was lost. I said to myself, I have a daughter, Elizabeth, she will never see her father again. The weather was rough, a northwester blew, the tide was running about six knots, and we didn't know the bar. The net slid over toward the pilot house, but was stopped by the skiff. We had to take the net off to put the skiff overboard, it was wedged in so tightly. That skiff saved us all. Fishermen are often placed in situations where the sea is master and are witness to disasters in which they are helpless. When a great storm, with. winds blowing at ninety miles an hour, caught the boat Agnes in a gigantic swell, there was nothing anyone could do. The Agnes sank off of Port Townsend. The most hazardous fishing was in the Bering Sea, 2,200 miles away. The boats had no barometers. In Alaska the tide sometimes drops thirty-six feet, and men take their lives in their hands. "At one time, in Kodiak, we found shelter one night in one of the bays. When we awoke in the morning, we found that we were surrounded by huge rocks. Fortunately, we were on the safe side of the bay. There were rocks here, there and everywhere, God was with us."" The fishing is a game, a game of chance-the chance of losing your life to the sea or the chance of making a living. To this day when a man asks for a job as a member of a crew of a purse seiner, he asks not for the title "job", but a chance". Anton Kordich took that chance. Sometimes it was a grim battle, but he had craft, knowledge, stamina, and nerve. At the age of ninety-nine, Tony Kordich is a living historian of the hard-working Dalmatian fisherman.

KORDICH, NICKOLAS Submariner

It was the middle of a World War II morning, somewhere in the South China Sea, an the gale force winds and 30-foot waves rolled the submarine Pampanito crazily across the punishing seas. Nickolas Kordich was the lookout, high up on the conning tower, and the skipper, fearing his lookout would be swept overboaid by the monsoon ordered him down to, the tower's deck, where he held on tightly to a railing. Nearby, steward's mate George Ingram, an African American, was trying to inch across the deck through the blinding storm. Suddenly, Kordich said, "I saw, it coming - a big, monsterwave - and I was holding on, but I knew I was slipping, was about to go off the boat. Then George surrounded me and held me on to the life rail, if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here today." Yesterday, at a reunion of 29 crew members of the Pampanito, the two men met for the first time since World War 11, seeing each other at once across a chasm of 55 years and then, as they met aboard that same conning tower deck, across a few. feet of inch thick steel. And it was clear that that incident, which took only. a few minutes back in March 1944, was fresh in their, minds. "When it happens, you don't even think about it," Ingram said, when asked to parse the moment when he saved Kordich's life. "You don't realize what's going on. Naturally, when you see someone's slipping over the side, you grab ahold of him. You'd be surplised what you can do in certain circumstances." Kordich is now, 78, retired from his career as an electrician with General Motors, and living in Industry, Pennsylvania. Back then, he had brown hair, weighed 120 pounds and, as he said while gingerly stepping down the precarious conning tower ladder, I used to f1y up and down these things." Yesterday, however, was the 57th anniversary of the Pampanito's commissioning at New Hampshire's Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and for this week it is playing host to its erstwhile crew, most of the members pretty long in the tooth but still ..game to prowl the old boat's innards and see where they once spent some of the most terrifying years of their lives. "Getting depth-charged - nobody knows what it's like to have that experience unless you've been there," Arcement said, you sit and wait to hear the click of the depth charge, then the detonation. When it goes off, it makes a big cavity in the water, and then the water rushes back in, and you wonder if it’s going to rush right into the boat." The Pampanito also became known for one of the war's most tragic incidents. On its third patrol, in September 1944, the Pampanito, part of a wolf pack with the Growler and the Sealion II, came on a Japanese convoy. What the wolf pack hadn't known was that the enemy ships had been carrying about 2,000 Allied prisoners of war. The Pampanito picked up 73 survivors - the rest were picked up,by the other submarines -- and Kordich still remembers the ordeal" I remember that everybody gave up their bunks for these men," he said. "The fellow in my bunk was very bad off. After a while, he died."

KORDIC, PREDRAG Priest

Father Predrag is a priest at St. Anthony's Rectory, Monsessen, Pennsylvania. Born May 3, 1915 in Grljevici, Hercegovina, Croatia; a U.S. citizen since 1960.

Education includes Classical Gymnasium, Siroki Brijeg (Hercegovina), Croatia. Graduate, 1936; Franciscan School of Theology, Mostar, Croatia 1936-1939; University Antonianum, Rome, Italy 1940. University of the Sacred Heart, Milano, Italy. Doctorate in Italian literature, 1951. Published "Profil 0. Mandica." 'Hrvatska Review 1965, Painting "Crucifix" for St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, Monessen, Pennsylvania.

KORDICK, MARTIN F. Football-Singer-Construction-Restaurant

Marty was born June 9, 1914 in the Bunker Hill section of Los Angeles near St. Anthony’s Croatian Catholic Church. His father Frank came to Los Angeles from Tihaljina in Hercegovina and his mother Helen Bajovich Kordic, was born near Zagreb in Croatia. After Helen died in 1915, Marty was raised by his “Kuma” or godmother Mary Rogers and his “Kum” Jack Kordick. Marty graduated from Belmont High School in Los Angeles. His excellent academic record and football ability earned him a scholarship to St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California, where he starred at the left guard position for the Gaels. Marty graduated in 1937 with honors, majoring in Spanish ( a wise choice as it turned out). For his football accomplishments Marty was named to UCLA’s All-Opponent team in 1934. In 1936 he was named to the West All Stars and played in the Shrine all-star game. In 1936 he made the collegian All-Pacific Coast team. Marty received All-America Honorable mention in 1937 and in the same year he made the National Yugoslav-American team along with St. Mary’s teammate and fellow Croatian Eddie Erdelatz, who later became head coach at the U.S. Naval Academy. Possessing a rich baritone voice, Marty sang the “Gypsy Love Song” in a salute to St. Mary’s College on January 31, 1937, which was broadcast from Los Angeles station KECA over the NBC Blue Network. Others singing on the program incuded the actor Conrad Nagel and Connie Boswell, a well known singer. An agent for Bing Crosby, who heard the performance asked Kordick if he was interested in singing professionally. Marty decided he had too many other things to do. That included marrying Sybil Rudan. In 1938 their son Martin A. Kordick or “Mac” was born. Mac would eventually join his father in the pipeline contracting business. Marty was the head football coach at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles from 1937-39. In 1939 he earned a general secondary educational certificate from USC. He was assistant coach at his alma mater, St. Mary’s from 1940-47 and line coach for Los Angeles Dons of the All-American Professional Football Conference. In 1948 started his own pipeline construction business. An occupation he would be engaged in for many years. In 1966 his wife Sylvia died. Two years later Marty married Peggy Cowles, they have now been together for 32 years. Kordick’s construction company completed a 29 mile water project in Los Vegas, Nevada in 1969-70 with pipes ranging from 96” to 24”. This was first one of many projects his firm completed over the years. Kordick also spent several years in the 1970s in Ecuador constructing several water and sewer pipelines (his fluency in Spanish paid off). For several years in the mid-1970s Marty owned the Crossroads Restaurant, at Highway 5 and Brookhurst in Fountain Valley, California. Marty retired in 1981. He and Peggy now reside in Las Vegas, Nevada and both are active in the affairs of the city’s Croatian-American Club.

KORLJAN, RALPH G Doctor

Ralph Korljan was born August 28, 1925 in Tacoma, Washington. His field is medicine, and he is a graduate of UCLA. He is married with three children. He resides in San Pedro, California.

KOSCINA, MARTIN Restaurant-Police Officer

Martin Coschina, native of the Island of Brac, was a partner of the famed Delmonico Restaurant in Treasure City, Nevada. Martin appeared on the Nevada State Census of 1875 with a white wife, aged 16, born in Africa. He was in business with Viscovich and Merlich at Pioche in 1870 and again in business with Gustianovich at Pioche in 1876. Martin had two young men both named V. Coschina living with him in 1875. In 1884 at San Jose, California Martin Coschina was a police officer. He was a citizen. These two fellows from the Island of Brac, Dalmatia came a long way to open their Delmonico Restaurant at Treasure City, Nevada. At least they felt at home, Brac is all rock and so is Treasure City.

KOSOR, ANA Croatian Activities

Ana Kosor was born in 1934 as Ana Marin, in the village of Tribunje, Drnis, Croatia. There she lived until the age of 25. At 22 she married her husband, Petar Kosor. Their first son Vjeko was born in 1957. Shortly thereafter Petar left his native homeland. Ana was able to follow when their son was two years old. The family was reunited in Naples. A welcomed move to America followed some time later, and daughter Nedi was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Petar then worked as a maintenance carpenter in Milwaukee and Ana worked in the kitchen of the Girls’ Academy. When they moved to California, Petar continued his carpentry and Ana continued working as well as raising her family. Their son Peter was born in 1968 and Timmy in 1973. Ana has worked unselfishly for years behind the scenes, devoting many weekends to insuring that Croatian picnics or church gatherings were a success.

KOSTELIC, IVICA Skiing World Cup

Croatian Ivica Kostelic kept it in the family on Saturday by donning the men's World Cup slalom crown a year after his younger sister, triple Olympic champion Janica, won the women's title. Egged on by thousands of raucous Croatian fans, the 22-year-old Ivica held his nerve to beat rival Bode Miller in the final slalom of the 2002 Alpine ski World Cup season and so deny the American the cup. The men's race was a nail-bitingly close spectacle and a fitting end to an exciting season where Kostelic and Miller have battled each other to the very end. Miller summed it up best. "It was one of the best seasons I've ever seen and I just wish I could have watched some of the races rather than compete in them," the American said. "We work well together, we push each other," he said of Kostelic. "He's the perfect rival...and one of the toughest competitors I've ever seen." Miller, lying eighth after a mistake in the first leg, produced a storming second run to put the pressure on Kostelic. The Croatian, skiing last after setting the fastest time in the opening leg, left the starting hut knowing he had to finish first or second to beat Miller to the cup. His two-leg time of one minute 37.92 seconds put him 0.23 seconds ahead of the American. Olympic champion Jean-Pierre Vidal of France was third in 1:39.00. Kostelic, who became Croatia's first men's champion in the World Cup, said the atmosphere before his last run into the finish area of this Salzburg resort was electrifying. "Standing at the start hut and knowing Bode's leading by almost a second, a huge audience cheering for me -- and I felt that this is the peak of every sport. "I knew Bode would risk much more in the second run so I also risked a lot," added Kostelic after dropping to his knees, crossing himself and kissing the snow in the finish area. His sister Janica cried tears of joy. It was a fitting end to Ivica's season after disappointment at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics last month. For the first time since 1997, he got through the winter without injury. 

KOSTELIC, JANICA Skiing-Olympic Gold

Utah - Janica Kostelic is so famous in Croatia that she's on a postage stamp, so you wonder what they'll do now that she has won her nation's first Winter Olympic medal. Kostelic, 20, limped into these Olympics with more injuries than a I 0-year NFL lineman, yet it didn't stop her from winning gold yesterday in the women's combined event. "This is the first real Croatian medal," she said, "so I'm real proud of it." Because of poor weather, the two slalom runs were run first and a shortened downhill followed in the afternoon, the opposite of Wednesday's men's combined. It forced Kostelic, known more as a gate racer, to lay down two fast slalom runs and hope she could ski a fast enough downhill to hold off the competition. Kostelic surprised herself with the third-fastest downhill, time and easily won the event with a three-race time of 2 minutes, 43:28 seconds, 1.49 seconds faster than silver medalist Renate Goetschl of Austria. Martina Ertl of Germany took bronze with a time of 245.16. "Janica was unbeatable today," said Goetschl, who won bronze in the downhill Tuesday. Kostelic knows that drill. She was 16 when she was eighth in combined in 1998 at Nagano. Three operations on Kostelic's left knee since spring made many wonder whether she'd be a factor at these Olympics. It was another crushing day of competition for American Caroline Lalive, 22. After crashing in Tuesday's'Olympic downhill, she withdrew from the combined after missing a gate on the course on her first slalom and ended up 17.8.5 seconds behind the first-run leader, Kostelic.

KOVAC, RAY Grammy Award

Ray was the son of John “Evie” Kovacic, an accomplished accordion player throughout the 1930s who was posthumously inducted into the Cleveland Hall of Fame in 1996 for his contributions to the success of Cleveland-style polkas and waltzes. Ray learned the accordion from his father at a young age and continued to play in his adult years. A charter member of the Mahoning Valley Button Box Club, Ray participated in the making of their first album. He later became a stroller with A. Romain, playing Oktoberfests, weddings, wineries, and charity events. He was a guest artist on the “Polka or Else” album, playing “Evie’s Waltz” (named after his deceased father) which was voted Album of the Year in 1996 by the Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame. In 1999, Ray attended the Grammy Awards ceremony, in which the Del Sinchak album “Let the Sun Shine In” was nominated for Best Polka Album. Ray performed as a guest artist on that album, playing “Happy Polka” and “Good Neighbor Polka”. Ray joined Croatian Fraternal Union Nest 343 in 1946 and became an active member of Lodge 182, serving as President and Vice President. He served as the President of Mahoning Valley Lodges for two years. transferring in 1986 to Lodge 66 (of Youngstown, Ohio) where he was a trustee on various committees. He was very active in the charitable activities pursued by the lodge, including pancake breakfasts.

KOVACEV, STEVE Tamburitza Hall of Fame-Professor

Mr. Kovacev has spent a lifetime with the Tambura, over fifty years. In the middle 1930's, Steve Kovacev performed with the Marsovian Troubadors, a semi-professional group of musicians centered in Kenosda, Wisconsin and led by Mr Stanley Jambrek. Later he also performed with the famed Elias Serenaders, a group that toured the United States from one end to another on the vaudeville circuit. After the War years, Steve joined the Duquesne University Tamburitzans as both tambura player and dancer in 1947. As a tambura player, he played every one of the tambura instruments at one time or another. One year he even played the little-known instrument, the "celo-berde."

In 1952, Mr. Kovacev became the Assistant Director of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. From that time to the present, he has arranged music for the tambura. A short time later he became the Treasurer of the Tamburitzan organization. In 1954, along with Walter W. Kolar, he helped to establish the Duquesne University Tamburitzans School of Music, a movement which has spread all across the U.S. with groups known as the "Junior Tamburitzans." He was chosen to be the Director of the annual Tamburitza Federation Festival in 1974. That same year he began to produce a long list of Duquesne University Tamburitzans long play phonograph recordings - about forty in all. With the Tamburitzans, Steve Kovacev has traveled to every state in the U.S. and thirty-five countries around the world, always spreading the word about the tambura. Working closely with Walter W. Kolar, Mr. Kovacev has created the Tamburitzan Cultural Center in Pittsburgh and has helped plan the new Tamburitzan National Folk Arts Center concept. In 1970, Mr. Kovacev helped to establish DUTIFA, the Duquesne University Tamburitzans Institute of Folk Arts within which he has been teaching the Tambura, on a university level and for academic credit, for the past 14 years - the only person in the United States to teach the tambura this long for academic credit - and he is still actively teaching at Duquesne University. Mr. Kovacev is presently an Assistant Professor at Duquesne University and continues to lend guidance to his first love - the Duquesne University Tamburitzans.

KOVACEVICH, ANDREA Grocery Marine Supplies-Fisherman-Theaters

Dominic Costanti Kovacevich had emigrated from the town of Starigrad on the Island of Hvar in the early 1890's. Costanti fished and operated a wholesale fishermen's supply house and grocery store. He was a far-sighted man who loaned money to fishermen to buy boats and equipment. He also gave them groceries on credit and served as their banker. In 1917, Costanti purchased from his brother-in-law (Peter David, whose family had first settled in Orting) the Liberty and Everybody theaters in Tacoma and the Stewart and Dream houses in Puyallup. In March, 1924, he opened the Liberty Theater in Sumner and, in April, 1930, the Roxy in Aberdeen. Costanti was a successful theater man and plowed his earnings back into the business through the renovation of the old, and the acquisition of new, holdings. The family of Andrea Constanti Kovacevich ran the grocery store in Bellingham that supplied all the needs of the fishermen for their long trek to Alaska. Andrea recalled: Departure day for Alaska was a busy day for the Peter Costanti family. Some of us filled orders while others delivered supplies to the boats. Straw and cotton slab mattresses for the crew bunks were piled high, one on top of the other, above our heads. In neat piles were the boxes of groceries, hard tack by the case, olive oil by the gallon, Carnation milk, flour in fifty pound sacks, magic yeast, and coffee by the case. Months before the departure, Mother (Lena) and Jela Plancich sewed oiled aprons, shirts, and coats for the fishermen. They were made of heavy muslin and had to be soaked in warm linseed oil and hung up to dry for a couple of months. This made the cloth waterproof. Live chickens were placed in a skiff and covered for the ride to Port Moller. Sometimes, they say, the chickens would become seasick and turmoil reigned. As the boats pulled out in the early morning hours, family and friends, some with tears in their eyes, waved and watched as they formed a single line into Bellingham Bay; blowing their whistles, they passed Point Frances and presently faded out of sight on their way. The names of some of the early day boats were Andro Z., St. Paul, Chinook, Cleo, Montana, Leader, Yankee Boy, Indiana, New Zealand, and Providence. This same scene was replayed every season from every port of embarkation. The names were different, but the farewell was the same. When the throttles were opened and the engines whined, there was a feeling of exhilaration for the prospects that lay ahead.

KOVACEVICH, DOMINIC Fisherman-Movie Theaters-Banker-Fish Supply

Dominic Constanti-Kovacevich had emigrated to Tacoma, Washington from the town of Starigrad on the Island of Hvar in the early 1890's. Constanti fished and operated a wholesale fishermen's supply house and grocery store. He was a far-sighted man who loaned money to fishermen to buy boats and equipment. He also gave them groceries on credit and served as their banker. In 1917, Constanti purchased from his brother-in-law (Peter David, whose family had first settled in Orting) the Liberty and Everybody theaters in Tacoma and the Stewart and Dream houses in Puyallup. In March, 1924, he opened the Liberty Theater in Sumner and, in April, 1930, the Roxy in Aberdeen. Constanti was a successful theater man and plowed his earnings back into the business through the renovation of the old, and the acquisition of new, holdings.

KOVACEVICH, GEORGE Attorney-Judge-District Attorney

George J. Kovacevich received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Santa Clara in 1967 and his Juris Doctor in 1970 from the University of San Francisco. After law school, he practiced one year as a research attorney for California's First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco. Thereafter, he served as an assistant and the chief deputy district attorney in the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office for a cumulative period of fifteen years. In that capacity he tried 180 jury trials, many of which involved major crimes. He also had supervisory duties over municipal and superior court operations as an assistant district attorney and was in charge of the entire office as the chief deputy. From 1994 to 1998, Mr. Kovacevich was an associate with the California law firm of Dooley and Herr located in the San Joaquin valley. During that time, Mr. Kovacevich was engaged in state and federal, civil and criminal trial litigation and appellate practice, business and commercial law, partnership and corporate law, employment law, environmental law, personal injury law, and land use law. He also provided mediation services for family, business, civil and organizational disputes. Mr. Kovacevich has been a judge of the Superior Court of Santa Cruz County, assigned to the civil calendar and appellate division. He joined our office in December, 2000, and his practice currently emphasizes civil litigation in state and federal courts.

KOVACEVICH, JACK Boatyard-Fisherman

The Covacevich family founded their boat yard in Back Bay in 1896. "I built plenty of boats, God knows," said eighty-six year old Anthony "Tony Jack" Covacevich, whose father and grandfather started the business. Tony Jack's brother Neil owns Bay Marine at Point Cadet, and a deceased brother, Oral, also built boats. Tony Jack Covacevich began as a teenager building model boats improving on the designs his father built. His father recognized his talent and had Tony Jack design all his boats. Covacevich has launched over one hundred and fifty boats of all types from schooners to mine sweepers. He loved building wooden boats, but those days are gone, he says. The scarcity of good wood, such as cypress and juniper, makes those wooden boats that exist very precious indeed. Covacevich's last wooden boat, which he completed in 1969, survived Hurricane Camille and is still at sail in Florida.

(Sun Herald 1993)

KOVACEVICH, JOHN (NORTH POLE) Actor

John was born in Starigrad, on the island of Hvar. He moved to Hollywood and appeared in many motion pictures from the 1920s to the 1940s, usually playing the role of a strong man or unusual character.

KOVACEVICH, JOHN JR. Vineyard-Winery

He was born on February 5, 1883 on the Island of Hvar in Dalmatia, Croatia, and when a young man of only nineteen, he first saw Fresno, on April 6, 1902. He became a fruit buyer, and his very initial venture and its outcome show how well adapted he has been to that field of operation.  he paid five dollars for some figs lying on the ground; cleaned and properly handled the same, he sold the lot at a profit of $160. He bought forty acres in the Perrin Colony No. 2. The land was raw, but John Kovacevich at once set about to clear it and otherwise improve the same.  He set out a vineyard of muscat grapes, with fig-trees on the border and being pleased with the result, he bought another twenty acres in the same colony.  This, also, was raw land; but he improved it and planted figs there. Then he purchased forty acres of the Fruitvale estate- an old vineyard yielding muscat grapes. In time he added 160 acres, one-half of which was in vineyard and the rest in alfalfa and raw land, and then he bought another 160 acres, thirty of which are in figes and oranges, while the rest is in raw land.  Mr. Kovacevich still owns these properties.  Besides these holdings , Mr. Kovacevich has rented 1,000 acres of vineyard raisin grapes and so well has he contrived all his work and commercial operations, that in 1917 he sold 1,200 tons of green and wine grapes. he also produced and sold 100 tons of figs and 120 tons of raisins.  Mr. Kovacevich chose for his bride Ellen Bogdanich from Dalmatia on the beautiful Adriatic, and this happy union has been blessed with four children- John, Madeline, Mary and Corrina. He is the leader of the Croatian race here, and has been the means of bringing into the country over 100 compatriots. He is active in the Croatian-Slavonic Association, and stands high in the esteem of his own people. He donated Kovacevich Park to the city of Arvin.

KOVACEVICH, JOHN J. Vineyard-Winery-Boat Racer

Born March 27, 1909 in Fresno County. Attended school in Fresno.  In 1928, with his father, started table grape operation in Arvin area. Moved to Arvin in 1930 and expanded operation, growing and shipping table grapes and plums. In 1933 he and his father built and operated the Arvin winery. The fruit operation in Kern County reached a peak of 1,000 car lots in 1937. Present operation curtailed to about 600,000 boxes of grapes and tree fruit.  Pioneered farming operations in the Borrego Valley, growing table grapes there until 1960. Also farmed in Coachella Valley from 1952 to 1961 growing table grapes and citrus. At present, operates approximately 1,400 acres of table grapes and tree fruit. Married in 1946. Just celebrated his 40 th Anniversary.  Wife: Beverly. Sons: John and Michael, both of whom are involved in the farming operation. Daughters: Jayne Ellen and Mary Anne Bek.   Grandchildren: 7. Served 8 years on the State Board of Agriculture under Pat Brown.  Served as President of California Grape and Tree Fruit League from 1949-1950. Member of Board of Directors, California Grape and Tree Fruit League, this since its inception in 1936. First President of the Bakersfield Country Club: 1949-1950. Hobbies: Golf, and earlier in life-raced speed boats. Won 3 National Championships and established 4 World Records.  John J. Kovacevich at the controls of his hydroplane Muscat Kid in the days when he was a national Speedboat champion. Kovacevich won over thirty major competitions throughout the United States and Canada including the famed Hearst Regattas three straight years, 1936-38. He established several world records between 1936 and 1940, including a one-mile distance mark of 57.935 mph, which stood until 1959 and was listed in the Guiness Book of Records. He also won the first annual Ernie Millot Sportsmanship Award for the Pacific Coast speedboat drivers in 1940. In his last race, in 1942, Kovacevich won the national title. Presently a respected fruit grower in Kern County, California, he was inducted into the Bakersfield, California, Elias Sports Hall of Fame in 1976 and the Fresno Sports Hall of Fame in 1977. Also, still enjoys steelhead fishing.

KOVACEVICH, JURE Croatian Activities

Jure Kovacevich and his wife, Lucia, were both charter members of the Croatian American Cultural Center. Jure was proud of his Croatian heritage and his pride for his beautiful homeland showed in his dedication to the Croatian Club in Sacramento.  Jure is missed by many friends and family members and his good works will never be forgotten.

KOVACEVICH, LOUIS Croatian Activities

Louis was born in 1893 Lovinac, Croatia and came to America in 1913. From 1926 he was engaged in the automobile business and worked for Ross & Jespersen, Ford Dealers, located at 5457 Crenshaw Boulevard, Los Angeles. He was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 177.

KOVACEVICH, MARY Croatian Activities

Mary Kovacevich was a founding member of the Croatian American Cultural Center, along with her husband Rudy. Mary was a hard worker who will always be remembered with a rake in her hand and boots on, cleaning the grounds with pride, as if it were her own home. Mary is missed by many friends and family and she left behind a work ethic that is evident in the active members of the club today as they continue to work hard to nurture the pride that built the Croatian American Cultural Center and to spread that pride to future generations.

KOVACEVICH, MATH Real Estate-Croatian Activities

Born in 1888 in Lovinac, Croatia, where he received his education. He went to Zagreb at an early age where he became engaged in business. In 1910 he immigrated to the United States and located in Chicago. After twelve years he left Chicago for Texas and eventually settled in Los Angeles where he was active as a real estate broker. He was identified with many Slavic fraternal and service organizations and was one of the founders and president of the Slavic Democratic League; president of the Croatian Home Incorporated; and a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union.

KOVACEVICH, PETER Food Broker and Buyer

A young man of Sterling worth, foresightedness and exceptional enterprise, who has become a successful and prominent broker and buyer of green and dried fruits, planning to make a specialty of figs and table grapes for eastern shipments, is Peter Kovacevch with offices at 108 Trust Company’s Building, Fresno.

He is a native of Starigrad, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia, born May 8, 1893, and attended public school in his native country.  In his seventeenth year he came to California- in 1910- and joined his father, four brothers and two sisters in Fresno County.  For three years he worked for salary for his older brother John Kovacevich, Jr., then, for a year he acted as his foreman, all the while gathering knowledge and experience sure to be of great service with him later.

In 1915 he started in business for himself, commencing to buy figs; the next day he dealt in figs, also in other fruits; but in 1917 and 1918 he limited himself to figs, and bought on a large scale, purchasing 150 tons of figs.  In 1919 he bought about 200 tons of figs and 2,000 tons of Malaga grapes.  While the great war was going on he bought liberally of Liberty Bonds and assisted personally and otherwise to his utmost in Red Cross work. As an able-bodied American, he was duly registered in the army draft- a fact that will always be a source of pride to him, for he was ready to respond if Uncle Sam had need of him; but he was not called and so had no chance to make the supreme sacrifice.  

KOVACEVICH-COSTANTI, PETER Fisherman

Peter (Dutchie) and Lena (Milasich) Costanti were from Starigrad, Island of Hvar, Croatia and then moved to Tacoma, Washington. Peter and Lena moved their family to Bellingham when Nick was very young. Peter's brother, Dominic, owned two theaters in Tacoma and had twin daughters. Pete and Lena ran the "Star" Grocery on I Ith Street for many years. Back in those days, Lena did a lot of interpreting for the Croatians and later, she worked with Visiting Nurses for many, many years. Lena's brother, Nick, cooked and had three sons that also fished. Nick (Rosco) started fishing when he was around 15 years old in Tacoma as a skiffman with his cousin, Pete, known as "'Red Apple Pete”, on one of the Martinis' boats. When Nick's father passed away, he ran the Providence until he went as partners with George Zaninovich on the Montana that he later bought and renamed the Dutchie C. The boat was named after his father, who was called "Dutchie because he was so blond. His youngest brother, Francis (Snell), ran the Providence for his mother, later Francis bought the Irene L. Francis ran the Irene L until he passed away, and then his son, John ran the boat for many years until he sold it. Nick’s brother, James, 'D.J." built the Comet with John Karuza as a partner. After selling the Conte, James purchased the Calendar, when he passed away his son, Dan, still runs the boat. Nick's brother, Peter "Bump" fished with his brother, later becoming a Tenderman. After Nick passed away, Pauline sold the Duichie C to the Sands. They sold the boat to some Indians and the Indians sank it. Albert Kovacevich, their nephew, raised the boat, refurbished it and changed the name to the Tucson. Pauline and Nick met shortly after she got out of high school and they were engaged in 1932. They planned on getting married fairly soon, but both of their fathers died during the time and they waited out of respect for them until November 18, 1934. Pauline said "I was free, white, and 21 for eight whole days!" Nicholene was born six years later on October 10, 1940, then Peter was born on October 15, 1942. After a few years Paula Jean came along in1950! Nicholene, and her husband, David, (Sacks) who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary March of this year, have two sons, Andrew and Anthony. Nicholene and David own eight clothing stores in California. Peter has no children, but he owns two gillnets, Burning Daylight (which he keeps in Alaska) and the Coastal Express which he fishes here and for herring in San Francisco, California. Paula Jean has twin girls, Andrea and Camlynn. Shortly after they were born she had a serious stroke and almost died. She recovered, but her husband divorced her and she single-handedly raised the twins, who are just finishing up their first year of college. Pauline used to write articles in the Pacific Fisherman's Magazine and she learned to speak the Croatian language pretty well, because she wanted to know what Nick's family and friends were saying and felt "left out" at first because they always rattled on in their native tongue. Then her three children wanted to learn the language and Nick started them at the dinner table learning the foods and utensils when they were fairly young. (Sleasman 2000)

KOVACEVICH, RUDOLPH Forest Service-Coalminer

Rudy was born in Stambough, Michigan on November 11, 1910 and moved to Roslyn, Washington with his parents at an early age. He was united in marriage with Mildred Vlahovich on May 14, 1932 and worked for 30 year's in the coal mines of the Roslyn area. After the coal mines closed in 1963, he worked for the U. S. Forest Service and later for Central Washington University. Rudy retired in 1972. Brother Kovacevich was secretary and treasurer of Croatian Fraternal Union Dr. David Starcevich Lodge 56 for many years. He was also a member of the Roslyn Eagles and United Mine Workers of America. A longtime Roslyn resident, brother Kovacevich died Saturday, May 17, 1980 at the age of 69. Rudy Kovacevich is survived by his wife, Mildred; son, Rudy of Edmonds, Washington; daughter, Mrs. Jerry (Darlene) Roles, Wenatchee, Washington; threee sisters, Mrs. John (Eve) Bunyan, Naches, Washington; Mrs. Verl (Edith) Garrison, Costa Mesa, Arizona;,and Mrs. Benhart (Mary) Jarvie, Seattle, Washington. He also leaves four grandchildren. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, Mrs. Mary Baretich Kovacevich in 1951 and John Kovacevich in 1965, and his brother John who passed away in 1966. Brother Kovacevich was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

KOVACEVICH, STEPHEN Pianist

Stephen Bishop Kovacevich has long 'been a pianist of acknowledged seriousness. At his London debut in 1961, his principal vehicle was Beethoven's "Diabelli" Variations; in Los Angeles appearances over the years, his programs have been nothing if not demanding. Yet, in all these years, while whole regiments of his fellow pianists think of Barenboim, Ashkenazy, Eschenbach and Perahia, among many others-were apparently deserting the keyboard for the podium, Bishop-Kovacevich never seemed interested in conducting.Until he got a chance, that is. "for 20, years, I've wanted to do it, confessed the 46 year-old musician in a phone conversation from his home in London, where he has lived since 1959, "Then, about three years ago, I began to take some conducting engagements. And last summer appeared at the Sydney Opera House in a Beethoven program, playing the First Piano Concerto, and conducting the 'Eroica' Symphony. A native Angeleno who grew up in San Francisco, he will appear as piano soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

KOVACH, JOHN State Legislature

John Kovach was a close colleague of William Boyd. He was active with him in the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge Zumberak for many years. For some time, he served on the Supreme Board of the CFU in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as the secretary of the Sick Benefit Department. A native of Zumberak, Kovach entered local politics as a Democrat. In 1960, he won his second term to the Ohio House of Representatives, taking in some 200,000 votes. He was well known among his fellow Croatians. In the November 1960 elections, in which he was re-elected, Kovach received the endorsement of the Democratic Party, something he didn’t get in 1958. During his first term in the Ohio legislature, he identified himself with the liberals, voting for legislation, affecting especially senior citizens. He also voted for legislation favoring labor.

KOVACH, MIRKO Architect

Mirko Kovach is an architect in Chicago, Illinois. Born February 16, 1914 in Trieste, Italy. Educated at lst Real Gymnasium, Zagreb, Croatia. Graduate, 1934; University of Zagreb, Architure and Engineering Faculty. Diploma 1939. Practical Architecture, Technische Hochschule Vienna, Austria 1939-1940. Architect Designer under contract in State Office, General Management of Public Works, Zagreb, Croatia 1940-1943; Self-employed as Architect and General Contractor in Trieste for American Military Government, 1945-1948; General Contractor in Buenos Aires, Argentina, S.A. 1949-1951.

KOVACICEK, LOUIS J. Journalist-Sheriff-Military

He was born July 19, 1907 in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Ivan and Anna Petric Kovacicek. He was a graduate of the Raven School and a 1929 graduate of the University of Michigan with a bachelors degree in physical sciences. He later graduated from Youngstown State University in 1955 with a bachelors degree in business administration. He was a writer and reporter for the Youngstown Telegram, a science teacher for the Youngstown Public Schools, a Mahoniing, County Deputy Sheriff, a transportation supervisor at U.S. Steel and a counseling supervisor for the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services. He was a U.S. Navy pharmacist mate and WWII veteran, a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 66 for 65 years and the Alumni Club of the University of Michigan, and a usher at St. Dominic's Church. Louis Kovacicek passed away Aug. 27 in Rincon, Georgia. His wife, the former Lillian Klarich, whom he married June 10, 1941 died October 31, 1953. He leaves a brother, John L. Kovey of Rincon, two nephews, Michael Kovey of Carmel, Indiana and Robert Kovey of Massillon, Ohio and a niece, Eileen Arnold of Rincon, Georgia. He was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Kovey.

KOVACICH, ANTONIO Goldminer-Restaurant-Saloon

Antonio Covacich, vice president of the Slavonic Society in 1860, became a naturalized citizen at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1849. He was a pioneer gold miner at Placerville, El Dorado County and was proprietor of the Spring Valley House Restaurant on famed Presidio Road, San Francisco in 1867. He owned various saloons on Davis, Jackson and Broadway streets in the notorious Barbary Coast district in San Francisco. He died at the age of 71 in 1882.

KOVACICH, BILL Teacher-Principal-Playright

“Drama brings out great changes in kids,” said Kovacich, Mater Dolorosa principal. “Kids deserve to know what’s inside of them. When they find out, it’s such a joy to see.” For a quarter century the educator has been writing, directing and producing plays for his students.  In 1974, Kovacich and teacher colleague Borchelt decided to offer an extra-curricular activity for the students at Epiphany School in San Francisco. Realizing not everyone is a natural achiever, good in sports, or outgoing, they decided the activity should be something all students could be participate in. The decision was easy since both Kovacich and Borchelt love the theater. They began searching for the right play and for sixth-, seventh-, and eight-grade students. However, the men could not find a play they thought appropriate for students so young. So, they decided to write one. With the full support of their wives, Roxanne Kovacich and Holly Borchelt, the fledgling playwrights took off to a quiet away from distractions. They wrote night and day the entire summer on 1974. In 1975, Epiphany’s sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders performed the first BORKOV- (Bor)chelt and Kovacich- Productions’ play, a Shakespearean spoof titles “Hold Your Toungye, Knave.” Little did they know that the eight grade boy, Anthony Cistaro, playing the part of a Frenchman would become a well-known actor portraying a Frenchman years later on the TV sitcom, “Cheers.” Kovacich and Borchelt wrote 11 more original plays.

KOZAR, JOHN Priest-Head of Pontifical Mission Societies

Pittsburgh native Father John Kozar has been named the national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States. Included are the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Society of St. Peter Apostle and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious. They are part of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Father Kozar was appointed by Cardinal Josef Tomko, head of the Evangelization Congregation. The announcement in the United States was made by Bishop Joseph Fiorenza, president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in a Feb. 16 letter to Father Kozar. "The Diocese of Pittsburgh” has every reason to feel proud that once again the Holy See has looked to our presbyterate and selected Father John Kozar to serve as the national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States," said Bishop Donald Wuerl. "His great pastoral sensitivity and missionary commitment is evident to all of his brother priests and all the, members of our local church. He has served the missions so well, especially our diocesan supported mission ' in Chimbote, Peru, throughout his priesthood." In accepting the appointment, Father Kozar said his interest in the missions began when he was in elementary school and heard the heroic tales of visiting missionaries. "My own missionary journey took me to Peru to work there as a seminarian as part of a seminary project for summer assignment to a mission country," he said. "That seed has been nurtured by my ongoing involvement with our diocesan mission efforts in Peru for more than 20 years. "This appointment is the newest segment in my missionary journey. I look forward to sharing the richness of the church's missionary vocation with the faithful of the United States." He also expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him by Cardinal Tomko, Bishop Wuerl and Bishop Fiorenza. Father Kozar has been serving as director of the diocesan offices for the Propagation of Faith, Holy Childhood Association, Catholic Relief Services and Missions. He also has been administrator of St. Mary Parish in Aleppo Township, since July 1997. Father Kozar was baptized at St. Wendelin' Church in Pittsburgh's Carrick section and attended grade school at St. Wendelin. He was confirmed at St. Albert the Great in Baldwin. He went on to St. Meinrad High School in Indiana and completed a bachelor's degree in English at St. Meinrad Seminary College. After receiving his master of divinity degree from St. Mary Seminary and University in Baltimore, Father Kozar was ordained at St. Paul Cathedral in 1971. Father Kozar's term is effective immediately. He succeeds Aux. Bishop William McCormack of New York, who has been national director of the societies since 1980. The societies are headquartered in Manhattan. Bishop Fiorenza congratulated Father Kozar and expressed the congratulations of Cardinal Tomko, Archbishop Marcello Zago, secretary of the Evangelization Congregation, and Archbishop Gabriel Montelvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Bishop Fiorenza added that Archbishop Montelvo wished Father Kozar to know of the nuncio I s desire to cooperate with him "in this most important work of the universal church." The Propagation of the Faith last year collected $64 million from Catholics of the United States for missionary efforts around the world. Through offerings of Catholics worldwide, which last year totaled $106.9 million, the Propagation of the Faith provides ongoing support of the pastoral and evangelizing programs of the Catholic Church in Africa, Asia, the islands of the Pacific and remote regions of Latin America. The Society of St. Peter Apostle invited individuals to support the education of candidates for the priesthood in developing countries and to support the formation of men and women candidates for the religious life in the missions. The Missionary Union of Priests and Religious seeks to increase awareness of the church's worldwide mission among priests, -permanent deacons, men and women religious, candidates to the priesthood and religious life and others engaged in pastoral ministry in the Catholic Church.

KRAJA, JOSIP Croatian Editor

Kraja, an editor and publisher, was born in Dubrovnik and immigrated to the United States in 1907.  He settled in Youngstown, Ohio, where he owned a printing company and published several foreign language newspapers.  He was editor of Hrvatska Stampa and served several times as president of the National Croatian Circle.

KRAJAC, DANICA

She was born in Bribir, Croatia September 27, 1894. Danica Veljacic moved to the United States in 1922 and settled in San Pedro. She was employed at the Star Kist Tuna Company for 25 years. She married Nazarijo Krajac, who passed away February 3, 1949. Danica and Nazarijo had five daughters: Phyllis Rodin (deceased March 24, 1963), Anna Zar, Mary Krajac, Vera Krajac, and Esther Tomich. Eight grandchildren; twelve great-grand children; and two great, great grandchildren. Danica also had a brother John Veljacic who resided in Oregon. Danica passed away January 9, 1982.

KRAJNOVICH, SAM Tamburitza Hall of Fame

Sam Krajnovich's parents came to this country in 1907 from Croatia. In 1918, Sam was born in Kansas City, Missouri. For over fifty years, Sam has dedicated much of his time to teaching, playing and promoting the heritage and tradition of the tamburitza music in Kansas City, Kansas and also Missouri and Illinois.

In 1932, Sam learned to play the tambura. with his church orchestra in Kansas City, Kansas. He also has taught music to many young people. Through the years he has taught three youth tamburitza groups and organized five other groups. Sam organized his first orchestra in the 1930's along with the late Johnny Soptich on bass, Henry Pear played bugaria and Sam played the brac. At that time they played Farkas tamburas. In the late 1930's Sam went to Madison, Illinois. There he played with the Danica Tamburitza Orchestra. He played with the late Mickey Brncic, who played the prim. Also the late Mike Novacic played bass. Then in the 1940's Sam went back to Kansas City. There he taught the John Muzas family to play the tambura. In 1947, Sam formed an orchestra to play for his church. Sam obtained the service of Frank Chelesnik for their instructor. Sam returned to Madison, Illinois. There he played with Steve Buchevich Jr.'s Tamburitza Orchestra. They played at the Croatian Hall. Frank Mudrovich played bugaria and the late Joe Buchevich played the bass. Steve Buchevich Jr. played first brac and Sam played second brac. In the later 1950's and 1960's Sam organized a tambura orchestra in Granite City, Illinois with the late Joe Gerbic, M. Finley, and his son Bob. Sam went back to Kansas City in the 1970's and organized another tamburitza orchestra comprised of Bob Cigich, Ed Grisnick, Johnny Soptick and Sam. They played together until 1977 when Sam moved to Texas for his health. In 1981, Sam started the Pan-Slavic Club in Dallas, Texas. In 1982, Sam organized another tamburitza orchestra in Dallas, Texas with John Miskudin on first brac, Joe Kirin on prim, Evan Geusic on Bugaria, Tony Carevic on bass, and Sam playing second brac. They played for the City of Dallas in 1983 and 1984 at the International Bazaar: This is the first tambura orchestra in Dallas, Texas. Sam was General Chairman when Kansas City had the Tamburitza Extravaganza in 1977. He has revolved his life around music and has been so giving of his time, talents and money to promote music. If he heard of a child that was interested in music, he would go to great lengths to pick the child up and deliver him back home, just so he had an opportunity to learn to play the tambura. Sam is still playing tambura and keeping it alive in Texas.

KRALJ, JAKOB Master Tailor

Jakob was born in Ferdinandovac, Podravina Croatia on July 15, 1912. He operated a custom tailor shop in Zagreb, Croatia, and sang professionally on Croatian radio. He married his bride Stefica, born in Slatina, Zagorje, Croatia in 1939. Their son, Tomislav Kralj, was a top soccer star for Team Zagreb.They and their son, Tom, migrated to America in 1967 to be with their daughter Danica. Danica married Adam Eterovich, born in San Francisco, in Zagreb and Tom married Marica Valentich from Vela Luka, Korcula, in California, He lived with his family in Santa Clara where he continued in his trade. Jakob died on November 10, 1990. Jakob leaves his loving wife, Stefica, his son Tom, his daughter Danica and their families and relatives in Croatia. Jakob had three grandchildren, Carol and Janet Kralj and Karen Eterovich. He also had five great grandchildren, Anthony, Stephanie and Christina Palladino and Michael and Brandon Andersen. Jakob was a friendly and polite gentleman everyone looked forward to being with. We greatly miss our kindly brother. He was a member of the Slavonian Society of San Francisco.

KRALJ, JOSEPH Scalped by Indians-Goldminer

Hundreds of Croatians joined in the mad rush to seek their fortunes.  Among them was Josip Kralj (Joseph King) from Mrkopolje, in Gorski Kotar, who let home in 1852 with his godfather, boarded a ship in Bremen and several weeks later arrived in New York. Unable to find work there, the two men traveled west in 1853 to Duluth, Minnesota.  That Spring they met three other Croatians from Novi Vindolski, one of whom suggested that they all go to California to seek gold.  The trek to California proved difficult and dangerous.  Kralj’s godfather died and was buried in Montana.  Kralj and his companions then joined a covered wagon caravan which was attacked by Indians. Many of the party were killed in the attack, including two of the Croats from Novi VIndolski, who were scalped.  Only Kralj and one other Croatian made it to California. Eventually Kralj went his own way, supporting himself by mining for gold and workig as a blacksmith. He then spent about six years traveling and working in Northern California and Oregon before leaving for the desert of Central Nevada with a gourp of hunters and gold seekers.  These men did not find gold, but did find plenty of trouble with the Cheyenne Indians, who attacked and killed all of the group except for Kralj, who survived the accident.  The Cheyenne took Kralj to one of their villages and held him for two years until 1861.  He was freed only after the Indian tribe lost a skirmish with army troops, whereupon he returned to San Francisco.  In 1862 Kralj left for the Sierra Nevadas to search for gold.  Fully aware of the risks involved, he deposited his journal, documanets, and money (about $2,000) at the Austrian consulate in San Francisco with instructions that these items not be sent to Croatia until two years passed. Kralj never returned to San Francisco, now did he send any mesage. After three years of waiting the consul sent the belongings to Croatia.  It is not known who reveived the belongings, but most likely it was his family. Kralj’s journal was printed however, in Dom i Svijet (Home and the World) at the beginning of this century.  This account of a Croatian adventurer vividly catpures the experiences of only a few of the hundreds of Croats involved in the search for gold and riches in the rugged and wild American West in the nineteenth century.

KRALJEVIC, ROBERT Marine Engineer

Robert Kraljevic was a marine engineer and marine surveyor who retired after 50 years of service in the maritime industry. He was a WW 11 veteran and a member of MEBA, the Society of Naval Architect and Marine Engineers and the Association of Retired Merchant Seaman. During the Gulf War, he was instrumental in preparing the MARAD ready reserve fleet. Brother Robert.M. Kraljevic, 72, was a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a 50-year resident of Mobile, Alabama. He passed away on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2000. He was the son of Michael and Tenie (Babic) Kraljevic and a lifetime member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Jean B. Kraljevic; seven children, Kim Kraljevic of Mobile, Pam (Jay) Whitfield of Mobile, Kathy (Kevin) Ryan of Grand Bay, Michael (Kirsten) KraIjevic of Wilmer, Sharon (Sam) Ionna of Cincinnati, OH, Jeannie (Lewis) Gordon of Irvington, and Rhonda (Hank) Thompson of Grand Bay; 12 grandchildren; sisters Lillian (Emil) Quatchak and Marie (Joe) Dunn of Pittsburgh, PA and a lifelong friend, Robert (Bob) Wilson. Because of his dedication to the maritime industry and love of the sea, brother Kraljevic was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea.

KRALJIC, JOHN Attorney-Croatian Activities

Mr. Kraljic was born in New York and he is an attorney by profession. Mr. Kraljic has published in many influential American newspapers, notably The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, International Herald Tribune, Newsday, New Republic, and the Manhattan Jewish Sentinel. Mr. Kraljic is a scholar in Croatian history, with many published scholary works. He is currently, President of the National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA).

KRALOVICH, GEORGE A. Engineer

George Kralovich is a sales engineer for Packard Electric Division, G. M. Corporation, Birmingham, Michigan. Born February 20, 1941 to Croatian parents in Youngstown, Ohio; married with one child. Educated at University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, B.S.I.M., June, 1964; University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, M.B.A., June, 1965. Member of Beta Gamma Sigma Honorary; Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Graduated with Highest Honors. Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award.

KRAMARICH, IRENE Opera

Irene Kramarich, a mezzosoprano, born of Croatian parents in Youngstown, Ohio, made her debut in New York, in 1955. Since then she has appeared with almost every major opera house in this country and has also sung abroad. The New Orleans music critic, S. Meyers, appraised Miss Kramarich's voice as "one of the biggest and most glorious voices of the decade." She performed many roles of classic operas; in 1959 she was engaged by the Lyric Opera in Chicago. Still very young, with a voice that has strength, richness, and impeccable tone and line, Irene Kramarich will have a great future.

KRAY, WALTER Actor

Walter Kray was born March 27, 1919, in Kast near Sosice, in Croatia. He came to Cleveland and here joined the ranks of the Croatian Fraternal Union, whose member he has been since 1930. He is proud of his origin and devoted to the fraternal organization to which he belongs. Very successful as an actor, he has been a star of countless film, television, and stage productions. Walter Kray has also starred in the Warner Brothers Studios television series "The Roaring Twenties.

KREKOVIC, KRISTAN Artist

Kristian Krekovic, an exceptionally talented painter educated in Paris, found refuge in the ancient land of the Incas, Peru. There, attracted by the history of the fabulous country, Krekovic created colossal paintings inspired by the heritage of the Incas. Overnight he became famous, and his name flashed across both Americas. In 1955 over 126,000 people came to admire his pictures in an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. One of the most enthusiastic critiques stated: "Native to mountainous Croatia, where folk art and peasant craft have survived the ebb and flow of military, political and religious tides for centuries, he has maintained a reverence for tradition and time-tested quality. For many months Krekovic exhibited in various galleries of New York, as well as in Washington, Philadelphia, and Syracuse. His paintings received the highest acclaim by American art critics and lovers of art. He lives in Spain.

KRESAN, IVO Engineer-Naval Architecture

Ivo Kresan is a Mechanical Engineer at American Hydrotherm Corporation, New York City, New York. Born August 25, 1927 in Sukosan, Dalmatia, Croatia. Education includes Classical Gymnasium, Zadar, Croatia, Graduate 1947; University of Zagreb, Technological School, Zagreb, Croatia, 1947-1954, Diploma, May 1954 in Naval architecture.

KRESNIK, JOHN J. Priest-Teacher

Father John is a Teacher of Religion at Bergan Central Catholic High School, Freemont, Nebraska. Born March 20, 1939 in Omaha, Nebraska of Croatian parents; Ordained on March 29, 1965. Education includes Conception Seminary, Conception, Missouri 1957-61, B.A.; Conception School of Theology, Conception, Missouri 1961-65; Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1964 with a major field of Philosophy Secondary Education and a specialty in Religion, Latin, Guidance. Member of Croatian Cultural Society of Omaha, Nebraska.

KRESSICH, MATT P. Restaurant-Insurance

Matt was born in Dalmatia and came to the United States in October 1891. Settling in New Orleans, he conducted a very successful business as a restaurateur, catering to the French clientele of that city. In 1908 accompanied by his wife, he came to Los Angeles and opened the well known Del Monte Cafe, which was located on Spring Street, in the heart of the city — a cafe which became famous for its hospitality and cuisine. In 1920 Kressich became the president of the Pacific Coast Bowling Congress. He was a member of the Elks, Knight of Columbus, Young Men’s Institute, the Slavonic Alliance, the Slav Democratic Club and other organizations. He was an insurance agent with offices in the Commercial Building, Los Angeles.

KREZICH, VESNA Artist-Professor

Vesna Krezich Kittelson, a well-known and respected Croatian-American painter from Minneapolis and a faculty member at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design has two more successful exhibitions to add to her already rich resume. From August 24, 2001 through September 27, two of her major new paintings, The Cosmic Gardens and The Cosmic House were on exhibit within the Faculty Exhibition - Minneapolis College of Art. And she is about to open a joint exhibition of drawings with David Rich at the University of Wisconsin Gallery at La Crosse. Her artistic style is a special version of the "fragmented" post-modernist vision, based on figuration and with strong expressionist leanings. Her paintings at that time were large, often of unusual format and accompanied by broken metal, pieces of rubble, and of crushed brick. Many of them were a part of a series she herself entitled "War Paintings," dealing with the war in Croatia. In her powerful symbolic paintings such as Vukovar and Dubrovnik, she became truly a poet of Croatian resistance and heroism - a poet of Croatian Liberation War. "The destruction of Dubrovnik was for me an end". "I could never accept that something like that could happen. The same is true of Vukovar." Now the war is over and although our beloved homeland still needs a lot of political, economic and humanitarian help, one breathes freer, and so also Vesna's style has changed. Her current paintings are more regular, lighter, filled with delightfully soft colors and forms. She recently told me: "In my paintings I make connection across time and space by interlacing silent threads of events, myths, and histories. I find myself especially pondering over the puzzling nature of violence and tenderness in all of us..." The Faculty Exhibition seems to show that tenderness in the art of Vesna Kittelson is currently winning out.In her La Crosse exhibition Vesna specializes in imagery of grapes. "Throughout history many cultures depicted grapes in their art as symbol of beauty, pleasure, and celebration," she told me. " I continue this tradition by making paintings of grapes as my own contemporary visual poems."

KRILETICH, CHRIS Restaurant

Western gourmets today, October 5, 1960, mourned a legendary purveyor of sea foods, Chris (Bozo) Kriletich, 66, founder and for 42 years proprietor of Chris’ Sea Food Restaurant at 694 Mission st., near Third Street in San Francisco. Born in the village of Lumbarda, on the Island of Korcula, in the Adriatic Sea, part of Croatia, Bozo was a fisherman from youth. He was the second of a family of four brothers and a sister who began coming to San Francisco beginning in 1913. Bozo and his older brother Kuzma followed the sea food tradition here, working in the famous old Poppy Restaurant. Bozo started his own restaurant just off Newspaper Row and on the main stream of commuter traffic to the financial district, in 1918. For decades Bozo did all the fry cooking himself. He was proud of “the best prawns in town” and of sauce with wide repute among gourmets. Two years ago, his lovely brunette daughter, Pat, long a drummer in major night spots, joined her father and took over gradually the actual operation of Chris’s. Requiem mass was offered at the Croatian Church of the Nativity. Also surviving are Bozo’s widow, Onorina, his sister, Mrs. Mandelina Antunovich, and brothers Nick, Roy and Gus.

KRILICH, JOHN Grocer

Romances flourished, especially when men knew of a young girl who was from the same town or vicinity. The father and mother of John Krilich met in this way. Mr. Krilich was a well established grocer in Tacoma, Washington who had come here to join his brothers. He had a friend in Aberdeen, a grocer and a former neighbor in Croatia, who had sent for his niece to come and help with the care of his children. Krilich thought that it might be a good time to revive the friendship and welcome the new arrival. She was pretty, so he stayed for the weekend. When it was time to leave he approached the girl, said good-bye, and asked if he might see her again. She replied, "I'm coming with you!" John Krilich remarked, "I would tell my mother that she was lucky my father was a truly fine gentleman and provider. She could have picked worse. She was always a little irate at this because I didn't give her credit for her good taste. They were married after having known one another for one week."

KRISKOVICH, ANTONE Stockbroker

Tony was bom in Novi Vinodolski, Croatia. Tony came to the United States and San Leandro, in 1951. Employed as a stockbroker for 35 years, working recently for Prudential-Bache. Tony loved his Croatian ancestry. He participated in the Croatian Fraternal Union of America activities. Active in all the socials at the Slavonic Cultural Center, his boundless enthusiasm while in the SMBS was shared with his family and many friends. "Fantastic", the expression used by Tony so many times in describing his feelings at happy Croatian social events. He was very active with the Knights of Columbus of the Church of the Assumption, the Liqure Club of Oakland and the Aquatic Park Bocci Ball Club of San Francisco. Tony also enjoyed sailing, dancing and visiting his homeland Croatia. Tony was born on October 27, 1914 and died on June 30, 1990. Surviving are his dear wife, Mary Ann; a son, William A. Kriskovich of San Leandro; a daughter, Antoinette (Toni) Reynolds of San Leandro, and one granddaughter, Kathryn Lee Reynolds.

KRISTICH, CHARLES R. Teacher

Charles Kristich is a Teacher of Social Studies, Kenmore Jr. High School, Kenmore,New York. Born March 10, 1935 of Croatian parents in Buffalo, New York; married with four children. Education includes State University College for Teachers at Brockport, New York, B.S., 1956; Canisius College, Buffalo, New York, M.S., 1963 with a major field in History and European History. Graduated Magna Cum Laude, 1956 B.S.

KRISTICH, JOHN N. Contractor

A prominent engineering contractor of central and northern California is John N. Kristich, who has two plants for the manufacture of cement pipe, one at King City and the other at Knightsen. He began on a very small scale in 1915 and has gradually enlarged the scope of his operations until he covers territory from King City, Monterey County, to the Sacramento Valley. He has made astudy of irrigation problems, manufactures all kinds of cement pipes, and does all kinds of cement work along lines of irrigation. His cement irrigating pipe is sold in all parts of California. John N. Kristich was born in Croatia on May 21, 1891, and came to the United States when he was sixteen years old, landing in Los Angeles. There he secured work as a laborer with the Arthur S. Bent Construction Company and continued for about six years, during which time he worked in every department, from a pick-and-shovel man to foreman, learning all about cement work and contracting. He supplemented his early schooling by night study after arriving in Los Angeles, and has become a well-educated man, especially along technical lines. Desiring to begin work for himself, he went to King City, Monterey County, and began making pipe from concrete and cement and taking small contracts. From this small beginning he has developed one of the largest businesses of the kind in the State, and he has handled some of the largest contracts for irrigating and reclamation projects. He has a thorough knowledge of his work and gives his contract work his personal supervision, in consequence of which he is a very busy man. He located in Knightsen in 1920 and has been very active in the reclamation of the lands in eastern Contra Costa County, where he is well and favorably known. He is public-spirited and lends a helping hand to torward all upbuilding projects. He belongs to the Odd Fellows in King City.

KRISTOVICH, JOHN Policeman

John Kristovich, new Slavonic Society Treasurer, is a 30 year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department, who grew up on Potrero Hill and attended Commerce High School. John is a Korean War Veteran and City College Graduate. He married Carolyn in 1955. The Kristovich Family consists of Lori, an SMBS member, Karen and John Jr., who is an aspiring actor studying in New York City. The Kristovich’s have five grandchildren. John’s dad operated the Potrero Café on 3rd Street for many years. John’s mother, Ann, was the sister of the late Louie, Mitch and Tom Buich. All were from Zupa, a village adjoining Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia.

KRISTOVICH, MARLENE Judge

Judge Marlene A. Kristovich was born and still resides in the City of Los Angeles. In 1973 Judge Kristovich graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.S. degree in accounting. She earned her law degree from Loyola University Law School in 1978. Judge Kristovich currently serves as a Superior Court Judge or the County of Los Angeles in the South Central Courthouse in Compton, California. She is a recognized authority in International Tax Law, and in 1989, while serving with the U.S. Department of Treasury, Judge Kristovich received the Attorney Litigation Award. Judge Kristovich is well recognized for her many professional contributions, as well as being a civic leader in her community.

KRISTOVICH, THOMAS M. Restaurant

Thomas was born 20 December 1876 in Rijeka, Croatia to Marin and Frances (Pavlovich) Kristovich. In 1908 he married Madeline Kljunak of Rijeka and they had four children; Frances, Anna, Marin and Baldo. Thomas worked as a waiter in restaurants and eventually became a tavern keeper and owner of his own restaurant by 1898. Thomas served on a number of advisory boards including the following: International Branch Bank of Italy; United Ancient Order of Druids; Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 177 and the Slavonian American Benevolent Society.

KRISTOVICH, TOM Restaurant

One of the Missions district’s most popular restaurant men, Tom Kristovich, has taken charge of the Mission Dolores Grill, 3042 16th Street in 1937. His customers of the past are welcoming this excellent new food center. He has chosen this time a large place with a counter, open tables and 21 private booths in another room. He has an excellent chef and a fine staff of obliging waiters.   The menu is such that it can cater in a short time to anyone’s taste and Tom believes only in the best. If it is business or rest, or exclusiveness one prefers, it is available a the Mission Dolores Grill. The private booth hall is large and roomy, is attractive with dark wooden panels and lighter plaster walls mounting towards the high ceiling. As one enters he finds, too, that there is counter service, and here beverages are also served. The kitchen is commodious and up-to-date, facilitating service and ease of preparation. Tom Kristovich was born in Croatia and came here as a boy.   Beginning as a pantry boy, working up to cashier, and then owner are the steps mounted by Mr. Kristovich in his career of more than a quarter of a century.

KRISTOVICH, VICE Boarding House

Vice was born in Dubrovacka Zupa and immigrated to America. She eventually settled in Los Angeles and established the Cosmopolitan Boarding House on Upper Main Street. Her house became a meeting place for Croatians who by the early 1890’s established social and political groups with her blessing and support. She had one son, Ilija Kristovich.

KRIZANEC, JASNA Teacher

Jasna Krizanec is a teacher at Gaunt High School, St. Louis, Missouri. Born April 23, 1941 in Zagreb, Croatia. Educated at Harris Teacher's College, St. Louis, Missouri, B.A., 1964; St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri 1962-1963; Windham College, Putney, Vermont. M.A., 1966. Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 1968 with a major field in Education and Russian Language and Literature. Member of Russian-American Scholars in U.S.A.; Natioal Education Association; Croatian Academy of America; Modern Language Association of America.

KRMPOTICH, LOUIS R. Cultural Activities-Music-Military

Seattle's Croatian community lost a man who contributed much to the region's recognition and preservation of Croatian folk culture. In the mid 1950s, with Croatian folklore at a low ebb, Lou began to organize and teach successive waves of young people and their parents the arts of folk dancing, costume making etc. When Seattle Junior Tambuntzans were organized in 1970, Lou became the group's first dance instructor and choreographer. Many of his protegees have contributed to group's continued advancement over the past 30 years. This, and his tireless work in rejuvenating the social activity of Seattle Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 439 in the mid-1960s, are his legacies. Lou was born April 30, 1929 in Carson Lake, Minnesota -- the second of three children born to Tom Krmpotich and Katharine Vukelic Krmpotich -with both sides of the family hailing from the Krivi Put/Veljun region of Croatia. It was almost inevitable that young Lou, like his 1-year-older brother Tom, would be swept into a lifelong interest in the music, song and dance of Croatia. Carson Lake lay in the middle of Minnesota's famous Iron Range and, with all of the Croatian families there, was hotbed for this activity. Lou, like Tom, played with lots of tamburitza groups, both in Minnesota and later in Seattle. It was after Lou's service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War that he moved to Seattle, Washington. He retired here after many years of employment with the Odom Company, a firm that specializes in the distribution of beverages to Alaska. Following retirement he volunteered his services for several years at the Veterans' Hospital in Seattle. He always found time, however, to attend Lodge 439s annual picnic where he cashiered the barbecued meat sales. He died on April 16, 2000. Lou was preceded in death by his father, Tom Krmpotich, Sr., in 1972 and by his mother Katharine and his brother Tom, both in 1989. He is survived by his sister, Rosemary Holm of Gig Harbor, Washington; three nieces; three aunts and an uncle.

KRMPOTIC, MARTIN Priest-Author

Martin Davorin Krmpotic was a many sided figure which needs to be reclaimed from oblivion. He was a glagolitic priest, a politician, missionary and an organizer of Croatian diaspora, and a writer (Krivi Put, November 8, 1917 Kansas City -January 31, 1931). He arrived to the U.S. in 1901 to become a parson in the Croatian church in Kansas City (Kansas). He completed the building of the church in 1905 and commissioned Oton 1vekovic to adorn it with murals (1911-1912). Next to the church, he erected an orphanage and the first Croatian school in the area. Deeply impressed by the American democracy, he translated into Croatian the famous two-volume work by Sir James Bryce The American Commonwealth, to be printed in Senj (1907) and Rijeka (1908). Thus he helped promote the ideas of the American democracy to serve as foundations for the constitution of the new state to come into being after severing ties between Croatia and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Krmpotic was a contributor to the well-respected American edition of the Catholic Encyclopedia, providing entries related to Croatia. He was the founder of the "Croatian Literary Society" of Chicago. Krmpotic never ceased to cooperate with cultural and political organizations in Croatia which had the preservation of the Croatian national body and its identity as their goal. He was a member of the "Society of the Croatian Dragon," and he supported many activities in the Senj-Modrug bishopric.

KROPAJ, ARTHUR Tamburitza Hall of Fame

Arthur Kropaj was born October 27, 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the oldest of two children of Stephen and Anna Kropaj. His father was born in Koprevnica, Croatia, and his mother was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Music has been a part of Art's life for more than fifty years, starting with lessons on the violin when he was eight years old, at which time he also started to play brac. The first band Art became involved with was "Jadran" in 1932 led by Rudy Kapps and later with "Zagreb". They played at the Great Lakes Exposition in what they called the "Streets of the World" in Cleveland's Lake Front. Art went to work at Republic Steel Corp. in 1937 and retired with forty years of service as a carpenter. World War 11 found the army drafting Art in 1941 until 1945. While in the service he was involved in a band, playing saxophone and clarinet. Two weeks after his discharge he was back at work and playing bass with Milan Pohcevac and the "Zvonimir Orchestra"' At this time, Art met Dorothy Pallone of Pittsburgh. They were married and blessed with three children, two daughters and a son. Art was a member of the Cleveland Tamburitza Symphony and played second brac for the Croatian Radio Hour directed by John Birek and later by Jim Kovacevich. Rearranging the group, the "Zvonimir", John Halek on the violin, Emil Monroe on the bugaria, Steve Katalenac on the cello and Art on the bass with Vinka Ellison singing; later Angelina Velkovich. John Halek soon retired and Julias Peskan joined them. In 1965, Art began playing with the "Mirko Roknich Orchestra" of Massillion, Ohio playing brac and cello. With Mirko on the accordion, Rudy Kolich on bugaria, Louis Vuich on bass, they have entertained lovers of Croatian music throughout the United States and Canada and have been the featured orchestra on Caribbean Cruises.

KRPAN, JOHN Businessman-City Council

Brother Krpan was born Aug. 22, 1912 in Croatia. He immigrated to the United States in 1920 and settled in Rock Springs, Wyoming. During the Second World War he moved to Long Beach, California and worked in the defense industry. Following the war, he started his business life opening several restaurants. In 1950 he moved to Roseville and went in the produce business. His entrepreneurial endeavors over the years included the development of commercial and residential real estate in Roseville and Auburn and his seasonal Christmas tree business which he operated in Roseville for 28 years. In addition to his membership in the Croatian Fraternal Union, he was an active member of the Elks, Lions Club, and the Knights of Columbus. He was elected to the Roseville City Council in 1964, and served through 1968. An active Democrat, John was a delegate to the 1968 National Democratic Convention. Surviving are his loving wife Peggy; his devoted sons, Donald and Dan; his sisters, Mary Stolms, and Millie Olson and his brother Steve Krpan; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Kathryn, his brothers, Mike and Joseph, and sister Ann. His family would want all to know he voted by absentee ballot several days before he passed away, a straight Democratic ticket.

KRSTELJ, FRANJO Croatian Activist

Born in Viganj on the Peljesac peninsula, Dalmatia, Croatia. Came to America in 1889. Secretary of Croatian Union of the Pacific since 1910. Active in Croatian affairs in California for many years

KRSTULOVICH-CARSTULOVICH, GEORGE Restaurant-Hotel

George J. Krstulovich, the smiling and genial proprietor of the Saddle Rock Cafe and owner of the St George Hotel, at 73 pacific avenue, Santa Cruz, California was born March 12, 1877, on the Island of Brac. Dalmatia, Croatia a son of Antone and Margarete Carstulovich. Three sons of the family came to this country, including John, who emigrated to America before George was born, and they did not meet until 1905. The other brother to choose the United States as his home was Pete. George Carstulovich attended both the grammar and the high schools in Dalmatia, and then entered the University of Agriculture, where he pursued practical courses for five years. At the age of twenty-eight years he crossed the ocean to the United States, having already served the time required of him by his government in the army, and here he joined his brothers in the cafe business. Later one of the trio returned to the old country and sold one-half of his interest to George, and in 1911 John died. George Carstulovich then continued to conduct the cafe for the estate but in 1914 came into possession of the whole property. The Saddle Rock Cafe is the second oldest restaurant in Santa Cruz, having been opened 1890 by George Dabelich and in its management are now employed eight people. Mr. Carstulovich is fond of outdoor life and given to hunting. Fraternally he is a member of the Foresters and the Eagles. George was involved in the capture of a German Spy Ring in World War One.

KRUZICH, GEORGE Priest

He was the son of Juraj (Stipaninkin) born March 27, 1927, in Tuluca, Illinois and died January 29, 1992 in Wichita, Kansas. He became a priest on June 9, 1961. He served his first mass at St. Peter's Church in Winamac, Indiana. He died while serving as a parish priest at St. Judas Tadeus in Wichita, Kansas. He was buried in the parish's Resurrection Cemetery. George Kruzick had a fairly good command of the Croatian language. He visited Zlobin on several occasions and even held mass in the Church of St. John the Baptist in Zlobin, Croatia.

KRUZIC, GEORGE Bridge Construction

Born in Zlobin, Croatia on April 20, 1883, Juraj (George), arrived in America via the English port of Liverpool. The ship docked in the port of Duluth, Minnesota, in October, 1901. He was 18 years old. He returned to Zlobin where he married Ana Kruzic (Bacotina) on July 10, 1909. Ana gave birth to two sons in Zlobin, both of whom unfortunately died as children. Juraj left for America once more in 1912. He was followed by Ana on June 28, 1921. She was accompanied by his brother Anton (Tonac Stipaninkin). Ana died soon after her arrival on September 29, 1921. She was buried in St. Peter's Cemetery in Winamac, Indiana. She had hoped to reestablish her family life with her husband but that was not her fate. Juraj remarried and had a son named George who became the Catholic priest. They also had a daughter, Pauline Eleanor. In Winamac, Juraj worked in bridge construction. He died in Winamac December 11, 1945.

KRUZIC, IVAN Contruction-Restaurant

Ivan was born in Zlobin, Croatia on March 9, 1891. He reached New York via Liverpool on an unknown ship in May, 1902 at the age of eleven. He was accompanied by his father Stjepan Kruzic. From the day he arrived in New York till the day he died, he never revisited his native Zlobin. He settled in Winamac, Indiana, dedicating himself, as the rest of the Kruzics did, to the construction business. Besides working in construction, he opened a very prestigious restaurant called the Indian Head in 1934. He undertook the project by himself, building and operating the restaurant. It became a site visited by people from all over Indiana and perhaps from all parts of the Midwest. His clients appreciated the fine service, the sophisticated interior and the exterior design of the building. It was built from Ivan's original idea. Ivan was married three times. His first wife was Rosa-Eldridge Pool, born January 10, 1892, died June 24, 1929. They had nine children. His second wife was Agnes Eykes, born November 4, 1875, died February 29, 1940. They had no children. His third wife was Grace Rosenburg, born June 12, 1900, died April 19, 1985. There were no children from this third marriage. The last thirty years of his life, he and Grace lived in Key,West, Florida, which is a well known fisherman's town and tourist resort. He built several houses all of which he lived in at one time or other and/or rented, making him a landlord. All of these houses resisted hurricanes that have the strength to sweep anything away that gets in their path all of the houses still stand today. Key West, which was once exclusively a fisherman's settlement, was also visited by the famous American novelist Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway found the inspiration for his novel "The Old Man And The Sea" in Key West. Hemingway’s homeis now open to the public. He and Ivan were friends. Ivan Kruzic (Stipaninkin) died on April 17, 1983, in Key West where he is also buried.

KRUZIC, PETER Construction

Born in Zlobin, Croatia June 27, 1890 Petar started his journey to America from Southampton, England on the ship "Philadelphia". He arrived in New York on June 16, 1907, eleven days before his seventeenth birthday. Petar established himself in Winamac, Indiana where he met his wife Mabel Freeman. They had six children. With the rest of the Kruzic’s, he joined in the construction business. He built many bridges and silos in the region. He was especially known as a builder of bridges and artesian wells. Winamac had excellent sulfur water from this major well which was known throughout the state of Indiana for its quality. Petar died in Winamac on November 19, 1964.

KRUZIC, PETER Iron Miner-Cultural Activities

Petar Kruzic, clan name Vuicev, deserves a special chapter. He was from Zlobin, Croatia who lived to be the oldest among his fellow Croatians. Born June 29, 1891 he died November 12, 1990 in Caspian, Michigan. He lived to the age of 99 years, four months and 14 days. Petar was married September 14, 1921 to Geneveva Subat (Pavicina). They had three children: Ernest, Vilma and Vera. All of their children were born in America and still live in Caspian, Michigan. Caspian is where there was a major settlement of Zlobians. These people earned their bread working in iron mines. Despite the hard, exhausting work and daily family matters, this good old man, known as "Barba Petar" always found time and never lacked eagerness for social activities. In his younger days, he was the leader of the "tamburitza" orchestra, which entertained our people throughout Upper Michigan. He was the founder of Lodge 69 of the Croatian Fraternal Union "Hrvatska sloga". He was President for 53 years, from 1935 until his death. "Barba Petar" died in Caspian and was buried next to his wife, "Gefa Pavicina". She died in 1974. They are both buried in the Stambaugh Township Cemetery.

KRUZIC, Z. JOHN Engineer-Inventor

Born Nov. 15, 1928 in Zlobin, Croatia, a son of the late John and Mary Kruzic, he was a graduate of New Brighton High School, Class of 1946, and Carnegie Tech, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. He joined Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1950. As a distinguished design engineer, John accumulated a total of 14 patents. From 1969 until his retirement in 1987, he was general manager of the low voltage breaker division in Beaver. Recognized for his substantial contributions to his field of work, John received Westinghouse's highest award, "The Order of Merit," in 1977 and the prestigious "James H. McGraw Medal" in 1986. Very active in his community, John served in a number of capacities, a few being: The Medical Center, Beaver Board of Directors, Sky Bank (Century National) Board of Directors; past president United Way of Beaver County, Pennsylvania and was a member of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Parish of New Brighton and Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 738. Z. John Kruzic of New Brighton, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000. Surviving are his wife, Margaret (Tatko) Kruzic, whom he married on June 14, 1952; two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Karen (Floyd) Kruzic, Cincinnati, Ohio and David and Amy (Signore) Kruzic, Harleysville, Pennsylvania; a brother, Kronie Kruzic, East Palestine, Ohio and many loving nieces and nephews.

KRVAVICA CLAN

Anton Krvavica: Born In Knin, Croatia on September 12, 1897, Anton Krvavica Immigrated to the United States In 1913. His first place of residence was Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter he moved to Chicago, Illinois and owned and operated a dental laboratory until 1966. He then joined his sons In San Jose, California. His character Is to persevere and overcome obstacles In his path. His sons give testimony to a life. well lived. The family has served dentistry over 150 years.

John Krvavica: Doctor John A. Krvavica has practiced as a General Dentist In Campbell, California for 25 years. He is a native of Chicago and is a graduate of Loyola University Dental School. Previously, he practiced in Chicago for nine years after serving in the Air Force Dental Service. He Is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Santa Clara County-Dental Society, the Academy of, General Dentistry and the American Society of Dentistry for Children. Dr. John has raised five children and also has four grandchildren. Dr. John is also a 25 year member of the AmSlav Men's club and has been its secretary for over 10 years. The Doctors Krvavica are first generation Croatian Americans and have done much to keep our heritage.

Bob Krvavica: Doctor Bob Krvavica has practiced as an orthodontist for 18 years in San Jose. He is a graduate of Loyola University Dental School and is a member of the American Dental Association, American Orthodontic Association, Foundation for Orthodontic Research, and the Santa Clara County Dental Society. Dr. Krvavica is married and has four children.

Ray Krvavica: Doctor Ray Krvavica, born in Chicago, is a graduate of Loyola Dental School. He has practiced for 16 years in San Jose. Dr. Krvavica maintains professional membership with the American Orthodontic Association, California Society of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and Santa Clara County Dental Society, He is married and has raised four children.

KUCICH, OSTROILO Doctor of Medicine

A Mass of resurrection for Dr. Ostroilo S. Kucich, a San Francisco physician for many years, was held Friday at the Croatian Church of the Nativity, followed by entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery.  Dr. Kucich died here Wednesday at the age of 94. He was the doctor for the Croatian Slavonic Society of San Francisco for many years A native of Croatia, he received his medial training at the University of California and in his youth was on the staff of Central Emergency Hospital. In 1912, Dr. Kucich accompanied a party of big game hunters through Africa, from Liberia to the Congo. He served as surgeon for the expedition.

KUCINICH, DENNIS Congressman-Mayor-State Senator

Congressman Dennis Kucinich from Cleveland, Ohio, enjoys a high level of name recognition, especially for a Congressman only in his second term in office. Not only does his name invoke recognition in political circles - where he has been making his mark for over 30 years -- but in the lore of America's working class where he is widely regarded as one of the most outspoken and hardworking advocates for issues of most concern to the average American. Kucinich is also widely known in the Croatian-American community, where he is considered one of the Croatian-American community's favorite sons. Kucinich's political platform - now and always - reads like a blueprint for making the whole of America great by taking care of its most vulnerable parts. He is a champion for causes such as providing economic security and access to education; ensuring adequate and affordable health care to all Americans; promoting corporate responsibility and environmental protection; and protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. During his tenure in the Ohio State Senate, Kucinich was the only member who had a 100% labor voting record. But in addition to his hearty support of all things American, Kucinich has a keen understanding and personal interest in international issues, due in large part to his own family's immigrant experience and historical ties to Croatia.

In his political life, Kucinich is known for his ambition, charisma, and all-consuming determination. He is no stranger to controversy. Kucinich is guided by a keen sense of right and wrong, and stands by his, positions in the face of great adversity --and often at his own expense. This combination of ambition, principle, and loyalty contributed to the events that would make Kucinich famous and create his place in history. Kucinich has been making history since 1977, when he was elected Mayor of Cleveland. Only 31 years old when he won the election, Kucinich was the youngest person ever elected mayor of a major American city. Kucinich enjoyed the enthusiastic support of the Croatian-American community in Cleveland during that time. Dennis Kucinich seems to defy the odds, another characteristic of his life and political career. In 1994, when Republicans experienced widespread wins in political races throughout the country, Kucinich was elected to the Ohio State Senate. He was the only Democrat in the entire state of Ohio that year to defeat an incumbent Republican in a statewide election. Two years later, Kucinich won Ohio's hotly contested IOth Congressional District seat in the US House of Representatives and was re-elected in 1999. Congressman Dennis Kucinich has come a long way from his modest beginnings in Cleveland, son of a Croatian-American truck driver and older brother to six siblings. Carrying a name like Kucinich, the connection to his family's roots was always prominent in his consciousness growing up - and today. Kucinich was always proud - even when it was not easy or popular - to carry the name that his grandfather, Ivan Kucinich, brought to America from a tiny village in Croatia, Batnoga, near Slunj. The region is known as Kordun. He picked up this sentiment from his father, Frank. "Growing up on the 1950s," Kucinich says, "having an ethnic name wasn't really a bonus. Many people in those days considered changing their ethnic names, and many did. But my father 'wouldn't even consider it. He was so proud of that name and everything it stood for. That carried over to me."

Kucinich knows first-hand the struggles of the working class and the immigrant experience. He was born in 1946 in Cleveland. His father, Frank, held a job as a truck driver for 35 years, and his mother, Virginia, stayed home to care for their seven children. A family of nine living on a workingman's income put the family on the familiar journey of the working class; a constant scramble to meet life's basic needs and valiant efforts to improve their situation. The Kucinich family experience was a snapshot of the struggles of the working class and those images have shaped Kucinich's personality, values, his view of the world, and his role in it. Childhood experiences shaped much of Kucinich's personal and political goals and motivations. Childhood also shaped his consciousness of his Croatian heritage through language, culture, and community. He spent part of his childhood living with his grandparents, where Croatian and Slovak were spoken in the home. But there, was more. My memories of the Croatian element revolve around images; images and.. memories of music, dancing, food, picnics, pig roasts, events, men playing. accordion and everyone singing. On Sundays after Mass, the family and others in the neighborhoods would get together and there would be music, song, stories and laughter," Kucinich recalls. "I always felt a cultural connection with Croatians, and by extension, other European nationalities, through these experiences." Kucinich never shied away from his ethnic connection; in fact, he embraced it. He is a long-time member of the Croatian Fraternal Union long before Croatia became a familiar, household word - and he has been a steady supporter of the Croatian-American community and their causes and concerns. Kucinich has been especially supportive of Croatia during the last ten years as Croatia struggled to throw off the yoke of communism, defend herself from the brutal Serbian aggression, and move towards democracy. With Croatia's newfound freedom and in his role in the United States House of Representatives, Kucinich finally had the opportunity to visit the land of his forefathers in the last few years. "I always felt a connection to Croatia, even before I ever went there," explains Kucinich. "What I experienced during my first visit to Croatia is hard to describe. It was an emotional, intellectual, spiritual experience. I loved it in Croatia. I felt very comfortable there, right at home. I felt like Croatia was welcoming back a long-lost son."

KUFRIN, PAUL Sculptor

A Croatian sculptor of great talent and skill has been working in America. His name is Pavao Kelecic-Kufrin, born Konscice in the vicinity of Samobor, Croatia. He studied under several eminent Croatian artists at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb. When he came to the United States in 1906, he settled in Chicago, where he worked for a firm specializing in the manufacture of bronze panels. In 1910 he opened his own art school; in 1914 he made sculpturing his full time profession. Kufrin is well known in American art circles, especially in Chicago where he has exhibited for over thirty years. This versatile artist has executed works of all varieties in form, subject, and material. Basically, however, he is a portraitist who specializes in making life-like figures and busts of prominent personalities. For his head of Clarence Darrow, Kufrin won a gold medal at the Chicago World Fair in 1934. He produced among other works busts of David Lloyd George, President F. D. Roosevelt, George Cardinal Mundelein, Mayor Anthony Cermak of Chicago, Archbishop Ivan Ev. Saric of Sarajevo, Professor Francis Preveden, and Nelson Rockefeller. Kufrin also works on panels, his most recent including the gigantic panels in bas-relief on the facade of the Portland Cement Association Research Center at Skokie, Illinois. Kufrin has been awarded for his artistic work awards from artists' groups such as the Pallet-Chisel Academy and the Chicago Painters and Sculptors Society. With his many works he definitely has enriched the culture of America through his talent, art, and spirit. "If art is to be great and enduring, it must have spiritual depth; it must seek the truth," stated the artist.

KUHARICH, ANTHONY S. Criminologist-Professor

Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Department of Correction, State of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana. Born January 14, 1913 to Croatian parents in So. Bend, Indiana; Marrried with one child. Education includes University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana A.B., 1935; University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana A.M., 1941; Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, M.S., 1954 with a major field in Sociology and Correctional Work, Criminology, Juvenile Delinquency. Thesis 1941 "Population Movements into South Bend, Indiana," Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, Indiana, A.B.; "Employment Adjustment of Probitioners and Parolees," Loyola, University of Chicago., Illinois.; M.S. "What Can We Do About Juvenile Delinquency?" Written many book reviews on books dealing with crime, delinquency and correction. Member of National Council on Crime and Delinquency (Midwest regional Vice President of the Professional Council in the National Council on Crime and Delinquency). National Association of Social Workers; American Correctional Association; American Society of Criminology; Amererican Catholic Sociological Association. Chief U.S. Probation and Parole Officer, Northern District of Indiana; Professor of Sociology (part time) Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana; Principal Welfare Officer in Displaced Persons Camps in Germany immediately following World War II for U.N. Relief and Rehabilitation Administration 1945-46.

KUHARIC, JOHN Tamburitza Hall of Fame-Boarding House-Saloon

Born March 8, 1893, in Ludbreg, Croatia, John Kuharic came to the United States at the age of 16. He set his roots in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and found a wife in Julia Lonchar of Licka, Croatia. He, like many other Croatians of his time, went towork in the coal mines of Sykesville, Pennsylvania, and while there developed a new awareness of his love for tambura, for which there had never been time on the farm in Ludberg. John found a proficient teacher and learned all the instruments in the tambura family, becoming a master of the prim. He formed his own orchestra and tambura became his life. Trouble in the mines caused John to return to Johnstown here he bought a house and immediately undertook to teaching the tambura. Not only there but also in the surrounding towns of Comennaugh, Bon Aire and Kelso. He was instrumental in helping organize the Rodoliub Choir and was also a performing member of it. After a few years he moved to Mather, Pa., where he ran a boarding house and tavern. Here he taught anyone who loves music, including his wife and three sons. He was a lifetime Croatian Fraternal Union member in the Mather Lodge and spent much time in fund raising events. John saw to it that his boys had proper music training and they all became accomplished musicians in their own right. If they weren't playing in their father's tavern, they were teaching in the backroom or playing for weddings and dances. John may have left his wife home evenings, but never his blessed tambura. Around the year 1936- Professor Pierce and Matt Gouze came to visit John's home in search of talented tambura players to attend St. Edward's University to preserve the tambura culture. They found to their surprise that John Kuharich Jr., the eldest son was an accomplished violinist and a supreme master of the tambura, and they persuaded him to attend St. Edwards, along with three other tamburasi from the area, N. Bastacic, N. Puskar and S. Kulcharic. The following Spring, a telegram from Prof. Pierce told John the group had an Easter booking open - John replied, "Easter booking okay Bring the boys". He started his mission to secure a place for this booking. He obtained the services of a booking agent who traveled from Austin, Texas to Chicago, Illinois and after weeks of frustration called Professor Pierce that the Croats were the most hard-headed group of individuals he had ever dealt with. They had absoutely no intention of paying to hear a bunch of young college kids in concert. They could go to a picnic, eat lamb, dance and hear good tambura music for free, so John had his work cut out for himself. After much, much persuation, Lodge 633, decided to sponsor the concert. Two weeks prior to their concert, Professor Pierce and Director Matt Gouze arrived at Kuharic's with 12 Tamburitzans, instruments, and costumes. John thought he was in Heaven with walls resounding day and night with the sound of Tambura music. Of course the women could have lived without all the cooking and washing. On Easter afternoon, the concert was held at Ferncliff Dance Tavern and Roller Rink. John advertised heavi I that there would be one of a kind, never heard of before, Tambura concert. People said it couldn't be done - no one would pay to hear Tambura. Well they came, by the hundreds - amazed - and finally convinced that there was more to their beloved Tambura than they had ever imagined. Thanking John and telling him this was the break they were waiting for Prof. Pierce's group went to Pittsburgh. There they performed a few concerts and played as guest artists on radio station K.D.K.A. - they were on their way to being a success. On their way back to Texas, they played numerous concerts and guest starred on the Old Uncle Ezra Show in Chicago. They realized they could only survive among their own Ethnic group, so he spoke to Father Gallagher at Duquesne University and transferred the entire group there. This was the birth of today's Duquesne University Tamburitzans. John Kuharic passed away this year, but he will always be remembered as an outstanding musician, teacher, performer and an instrumental part of today's Duquesne Tammies - but above all - he helped preserve HIS culture and put Croatian music up in the ranks where it belongs.

KUJNINA-GUGNINA, NIKOLA Silverminer-Saloon-Coffee Saloon

Nikola Gugnina from Dalmatia was a real Nevada pioneer. He was a member of the Slavonic Illyric Society of San Francisco and had a coffee saloon at Mission and Stewart in 1859, He ventured into Nevada with his fellow Slavonians and was in Clifton, Nevada probably seeking silver. He was a shareholder in the Adriatic Gold and Silvermining Company in 1863 and had $3000. invested in the Bajazet Mining Company in 1864. Nikola was civic minded and belonged to the Hyman Fire Engine Company #1 at Hamilton in 1870. He was naturalized as a citizen in 1870 and voted in 1870. At a later date he belonged to the Virginia City Fire Engine Comnanv #I. From 1865 to approximately 1885 he owned saloons, fruits, billiard saloons, chop houses, and liquor businesses in Shermantown, Hamilton, and Virginia City in Nevada. His Monitor Saloon in Virginia City took up most of his time except for the silver boom in White Pine County where he opened one business. Nikola appeared on the San Francisco Census of 1860 with a Mexican wife, Lola. In 1870 at Shermantown, Nevada the Federal Census lists him with a wife named Joan from Austria with one son born in Nevada. The 1880 Federal Census at Virginia City states he had four children born in Nevada named Kate, Lola, Nicholas, and Mary. Peter and Luka Gugnina were also in Nevada during the 1870's. Peter was a silver miner, barkeeper, and saloon owner. He was an American citizen.

KUKOC, TONI Basketball-Olympics

Toni Kukoc is a professional basketball player currently playing for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. Born on Septmebr 18, 1969 in Split, Dalmatia, Croatia, Toni is married and has one child. He was a member of the Olympic Men's basketball teams tha won silver medals in 1988 and in 1992. He has played professionally for the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers prior to his stint with the Hawks. As a member of the Bulls, Toni was a key role player that went on to win 3 straight NBA Championships.

KUKULICA, JOHN Restaurant

John Kukulica is probably out partying right now. The 33-year-old restaurateur has a lot to celebrate. His Iron Horse fixture in Maiden Lane is marking its 30th anniversary. After a three-month strike, business is “off to a strong start.” And his 90 colleagues in the Golden Gate Restaurant Ass’n have just elected him president. Kukulica began his career 20 years ago working in the cafeteria at Oakland’s Bishop O’Dowd High School. He graduated to the cafeteria at St. Mary’s College in Moraga and then to cafeteria operator Saga Corp. in Menlo Park, where he stayed until he bought the Iron Horse from Sam Marconi five years ago. Now the owner of the venerable Eagle Cafe at Pier 39, Delmonico’s in Atherton and Max of Los Altos, Kukulica says the industry is caught in a nutritional transisiton. “People are not drinking nearly as much,” he says. “And I don’t think they’ll ever go back to eating heavy food again.” SF Chronicle March 15, 1985.

KUKULICA, JOHN Restaurants

John Kukulica the 33-year-old restaurateur has a lot to celebrate. His Iron Horse in Maiden Lane, San Francisco is marking its 30th anniversary; and his 90 colleagues in the Golden Gate Restaurant Ass’n have just elected him president. Kukulica began his career 20 years ago working in the cafeteria at Oakland’s Bishop O’Dowd High School. He graduated to the cafeteria at St. Mary’s College in Moraga and then to cafeteria operator Saga Corp. in Menlo Park, where he stayed until he bought the Iron Horse from Sam Marconi five years ago in 1980. Now the owner of the venerable Eagle Cafe at Pier 39, San Francisco, Delmonico’s in Atherton and Max of Los Altos, Kukulica says the industry is caught in a nutritional transition. “People are not drinking nearly as much,” he says. “And I don’t think they’ll ever go back to eating heavy food again.”

KULJIS-KUGLIS, ANDY Fisherman

Andy was born in Astoria, Oregon, in 1912 to a long line of fisherman. His father and grandfather had been fisherman from the Island of Vis, Dalmatia. Andy‘s father moved the family to San Pedro in 1920. The lure of the sea was in Andy’s blood but the sea was also demanding and cruel; his father died of a heart attack while fishing off the coast of Santa Barbara Island and his uncle was washed overboard and drowned. Andy Kuglis became owner of a dozen fishing boats, among them the Sunny Boy, the Bear and California Bear. Andy’s boats caught Salmon in Alaska and Halibut in South America, a tradition that has been carried on by his son Greg.

KULJIS, DOMINIC Fisherman

He was born August 4, 1914 in Old Town Tacoma, Washington. Keeping close to his heritage, he made his own wine and loved food. He had a love of gardening and would spend hours cultivating garlic and tomatoes. His green thumb could make anything grow. His real passion was his family. Dom lost his father at the age of 5. Both as a child and a man, Dom's life was reflected in the sea. As he grew up, he learned of the boats that would bring fish home. As a shipwright and a pipefitter, he knew the precision necesssary for a vessel to chart a true course. As a fisherman, he knew of empty and full nets and of the simple life. He grew up and received his education here at Hardwork University, at age 14, he began his vocational career in fishing. Dom's fishing activities carried him from the northern reaches of Alaska to the Puget Sound, on purse seiners every summer for 25 years, starting in the 1930s. Dominic was an individual who loved to be busy and who enjoyed working with his hands and doing repairs on the boat "Master Craftsman." He always took great pride in his work. In 1959 Dom changed careers and began working at the County City Building as a plumber handyman and retired in 1979. He also had worked full time for Western Boat as a Pipefitter Foreman. Dom was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and was a 50-year member of the Plumber's Union. He was an active member and staunch supporter of the SABS, ESL and Elks Lodge 174. He volunteered countless hours. He and his wife Ann enjoyed traveling and visitng many foreign countries, continually broadening their horizons. Dominic Matt Kuljis of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 867 left this earth to be with his God and beloved wife on April 5, 2000. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Dominic is survived by his son, Andy D. Kuljis, sister Minnie Mihal)vich, brother Antone Kuljis, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Ann.

KULJIS, LUKA Schooner Captain-Ship Grocery-Fisherman

Mr. Kuljis was born in Dalmacia, Croatia in 1886, moved to Biloxi, Mississippi in 1903 to engage in the catching of shrimp and oysters. He soon advanced to the Captaincy of a schooner which he later owned outright, and in 1919 established the Luka Kuljis Grocery, as dealer of staple groceries specializing in

supplying boats. Today he owns besides his new grocery store on East Boulevard several boats including the schooner Cavalier, which is now a power boat. He is a member of the Slavonian Benevolent Association and the Chamber of Commerce. Married Miss Tadica Pitalo, their family includes six children, one son, Dr. Joseph Kuljis, now in New York, the others at home.

KULJIS, MARTIN Fisherman

Martin Kuljis grew up fishing. Now he's 74 and wonders what's next. "We should be retired already," he says. But the Sea-K Fish Company he owns can't be sold now. Initiative 696 - which would impose a ban on commercial-fishing nets in Washington - makes would-be buyers wary. "I've been fishing since I was 15," Kuljis says. "Before that I fished with my dad. My dad was a fisherman, too."

A family picture shows a European harbor - the Island of Vis- town of Komiza, Croatia - that looks just like Bellingham Bay. "My dad came over when he was still a kid." Kuljis says. Kuljis' grandfather had come here to work in the mills - saved some money, brought two of his sons to America, and then returned home. The year was 1915. Kuljis still uses the same boat his dad did, a purse seiner called "New Moon," built in 1919, when he fishes. But fishing is rare these days. "This year has been a complete flop due to natural causes, there wasn't any fish," he says. "We weren't allowed to fish." Kuljis says this in a matter-of-fact way. The regulation of fishing is part of the business. "If there's not enough fish, you can't fish. It's that simple." Overfishing is partly to blame for the species decline. He says the state contributed to this problem by issuing too many commercial licenses starting in the 1950s and '60s. "When times were good we'd start getting our gear ready a month before the season opened. There was no quotas - none of that. You went out and caught as much fish as you could." He says the boats would go out on a Saturday night, start fishing at dawn the next day and return to port late Friday afternoon. "We'd go home, take a bath . . . get some groceries and start again," he says. "We worked hard. It was all manual labor and ward work - and dangerous, depending on when you were fishing." After the 1970s, and decades of overfishing, new rules were added. "Even the gear is regulated now, where you can fish, and when." Now fishing seasons are measured in hours, not days. And the fish don't always run on the same cycle - so there's pressure to get in, catch fish and return home.

Kuljis diversified, starting a commercial fish-sales company in Blaine in 1958. He did this because he didn't like to be away from his family for months at a stretch. The initiative to ban nets will not destroy his business; Canadians, Alaskans and Californians will still supply fish. But some of his Whatcom County neighbors who fish won't be as fortunate. Passage of 696 will end their fishing season. Kuljis says buyouts of commercial-fishing licenses - such as the ones included in the Canada-U.S. agreement - make far more sense than absolute bans. Buyouts pay people to sell their licenses - making it easier to get out of the fishing business with dignity. But who will buy, and retire, a commercial-fishing license when voters can make the practice illegal by marking a ballot?

KULJIS, MIHOVIL Fisherman

Mihovil Kuljis died on July 9, 1976 just a few months short of his 99th birthday. Brother Kuljis was born in 1877 in the fishing village of Vis on the island by the same name. He first left Vis, Dalmatia, Croatia in 1906, coming to Portland, Oregon but returned to Vis to marry his first wife, Lucy in 1908. The union was blessed with three sons and a daughter before Lucy passed away. His second wife, Margarita, with whom he lived at the time of his passing in Bellingham Washington, bore him two more children. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons. Dr. Dominic Ku1jis of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and Andrew Kuljis of San Pedro, California; two daughters, Mrs. Minnie Wood of Bellingham and Mrs. Catherine LaCasse of Seattle, 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Two sons, Mitchell and George, preceded him in death. Mihovil Kuljis, in keeping with the tradition of Visani and Komizani from the island of Vis, became an adventuresome and successful fishing boat captain. In recent years he had been acknowledged as, one of the two oldest Slavonian (as Dalmatians are known on the West Coast) fishing captains in the Pacific Northwest, It is perhaps ironic that the other oldtime skipper, Nick Zuvich of Seattle with whom brother Kuljis was long acquainted, also died this year - having perished in a house fire just five months. short of his 100th birthday. Brother Kuljis owned or was part owner of a series of 11 boats dating back to 1911. With these colorfully named vessels Leeda, St. George, St. George 11, Liberty, Cougar, Tulip Queen, Swan, Kingfisher, Elk, Courageous and Pan Pacific - he plied the waters of the Pacific Ocean from Mexico to the Bering Sea in order to support his family as a fishing captain. Brother Kuljis joined the Croatian Fraternal Union in 1926 in Bellingham, just a few months after the lodge was founded there in 1925. He was already 49 years old at that time, meaning that he probably gave little thought to ever becoming a 50-year member of the Society. But, in fact, he did. Not only did he "outlive" his insurance certificate with the CFU (which matured on his 96th birthday in 1973, but in April of this year he marked his 50th year as a CFU member. His devotion to the Society is perhaps best reflected by the fact that in 1969, at the age of 92, he traveled alone on a bus through dense fog over the 100-mile route from Bellingham to Seattle just so that he could be on hand for the lodge’s monumental salute to the CFU on its 75th, or Diamond Anniversary.

KULJIS, VISKO Fisherman 

Annie was born, Anka Mladineo in Komiza, Island of Vis, Croatia on December 17, 1913. She attended school in Croatia, became a seamstress and taught sewing. In 1938 she married Visko Kuljis, a fisherman, and came to America in 1939. She made the last trip on the Queen Mary before World War II started. They settled in Cathlamet, Washington. She moved to Blaine, Washington in 1972, after the death of her husband. In 1993 she moved to Missoula, Montana to be with her daughter, then moved to Polson in 1998. Annie Kuljis (Anka) passed away at her daughter’s home in Polson, Wednesday September 11, 2002 with her daughter Antoinette and grandson Bryan Meeds at her side. Annie is survived by her sons; Vincent in Tacoma, Washington, John in Alaska, her daughter, Antoinette Meeds in Polson, 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Ivan and mother, Ana; her husband, Visko and 14 brothers and sisters. Annie touched many hearts with her generosity, love, and laughter. She will be greatly missed. Annie was a member of the Catholic Church.

KULUZ, VINCENT Sea Food

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent P. Kuluz, were honored at a reception at the Slavonian Lodge given by their six children in honor of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Various Slavonian pastries were served to guests. The table was decorated with three tier 50th Wedding Anniversary cake. Brother and sister Kuluz were married April 29, 1931. Mrs Kuluz is the former Margaret Pavlov of Biloxi. They reside at 1433 East Beach and are active members of St. Michael's parish. They have five children: Dr. Matthew F. Kuluz of Pascagoula; Peter J. of Ocean Springs; Mrs. Frances K. Creel of Biloxi; Vincent of Ocean Springs, Patrick M. of Biloxi; and Mrs. Donna K. Watts of Biloxi. They are proud grandparents of 18 grandchildren. Brother Kuluz is retired from the seafood business, having owned and operated Kuluz Brothers Packing Company with his brothers, the late T. M. and Nick Kuluz. He is an active member of the Slavonic Benevolent Society, Biloxi Elks 606, and members of "Primorac" Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 741 of Biloxi, Mississippi.

KUNDEK, JOSEPH Priest

Another early Croatian missionary in North America was a secular priest, Father Joseph Kundek. He was born of a middle class family in Ivanic, a small town in the vicinity of the Croatian capital, Zagreb on January 21, 1809. After completing the gymnasium in Zagreb, he was admitted by Bishop Alagovic to the diocesan school of theology.

In 1829 Bishop Reze, later Bishop of Detroit, founded in Vienna the Leopoldine Mission Society for the support of the missions in America. The society published Berichte der Leopoldinen Stiftung, in which Kundek read about the activities of a Slovenian missionary, Father Friedrich Baraga who went to America in 1830, became a great missionary, among the Chippewas and was later named a bishop. After his ordination in August 1833, as a young priest in the parishes of Gore and Petrinja, Kundek, moved by the example of Baraga and the news in the Berichte about a crying need for German speaking priests among the German colonies in the Middle West, decided to go to America as a missionary. Before his departure for America, he spent a year in the mission center in Vienna improving his German and studying English and French. From Le Havre he sailed to Southampton where he left aboard the "Alliance" on June 8, 1838, for America. After a "stormy voyage of 43 days with good luck and without any seasickness" he arrived at the port of New York. Overland he traveled via Philadelphia to Washington, "where the President resides" and proceeded by way of Georgetown, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Louisville. Having crossed "the beautiful river Ohio he arrived safely at Vincennes on the 28th of August at 7 o'clock in the evening" as he reported in his letter to Zagreb written in "Vincennes in North America on the 24th of September, 1838."

The Leopoldine Society sent him to the diocese of Vincennes which had been established only in 1836 and embraced the whole of Indiana and a part of Illinois, including Chicago. Father Kundek's activities as a pastor were limited to the southern section of the diocese where there were only few German Catholics. Bishop Brute of this diocese sent him to Jasper, the seat of Dubois County, Indiana. There on September 28, 1838, Kundek founded the mission of Jasper. He took care of all Catholics between Jasper and the river town of Troy, and reported his missionary activities in subsequent letters to the Leopoldine Society in Vienna.

By the end of 1839 Kundek founded a new town, Ferdinand, twelve miles south of Jasper, named in honor of the Emperor of Austria, who was a benefactor and protector of the missions. Here he built a church and a school. Besides his pastoral work in Jasper he was constantly on the move, sometimes spending many weeks on horseback covering routes as long as 700 miles. In the fall of 1843, he established another settlement with a new parish, named Celestine. His colonizing efforts were very successful, and through the following years thousands of Germans settled in this area around Jasper. The success of his colonization schemes is proved by the number of permanent and prosperous Catholic parishes he established. To this day traces of his work are to be seen in the sections of Indiana where Germans settled. Anyone traveling through Dubois County and nearby regions will find "large numbers of German Catholic farmers, who still retain customs brought by their ancestors from the Fatherland and carefully fostered by Father Kundek.

Kundek was the first recorded Croatian immigrant to have visited Pittsburgh during his journey in 1838, offering holy Mass, administering sacraments, and preaching to scattered groups of German and other Catholics.

Incessant, difficult labor under the most primitive conditions of a frontier country undermined Kundek's health, and by the end of 1843 he was in New Orleans trying to recover his strength. There he found the large group of German Catholics in such a miserable plight that he could not refrain from setting to work to help them. He built a church, administered whatever spiritual comfort he was able to provide, and then returned in May, 1844, to his own flock in Jasper. In the fall of 1846, the untiring priest founded a third colony for German Catholics, Fulda, so named because most of the immigrants who were coming there were from Fulda, Germany. Such colonizing efforts, which were part of his larger plan, he called "the most effective means of stabilizing and spreading our holy religion in America.His Parishioners trusted him so deeply that they followed even his political orientation. As he became a Democrat, in due course of time, all his parishioners joined the same party. His most notable civic achievement was the building of the first brick courthouse in Jasper, which he and his parishioners erected for $6,000.

On November 19, 1851, Father Kundek sailed from New York for Europe to visit his native Croatia and some other countries. To obtain badly needed immigrant priests was, however, the main purpose of his journey. He visited London and Paris, traveled through Belgium, Germany, and Austria trying to impress upon the clergy the urgent need for priests in the diocese of Vincennes. In the latter half of March, 1852, he spent a few days in Zagreb and then left for Prague where he met the former Emperor who lived there after his resignation in 1848. There Father Kundek presented him a map of Ferdinand, the town he named in Emperor's honor. Some Croatian newspapers and journals published glowing reports about Kundek's activities in America, welcoming him back to the old country as a man "who built five towns" in the wilderness of America. Kundek was also hailed for the material aid he had rendered to the poor people of Croatia. Unfortunately, however, the only Croatian priest who responded to the call of Father Kundek was Rev. Eduard Martinovic, who left Croatia to become pastor of the German parish in Madison, Indiana.

By the middle of June, 1853, Father Kundek was back at Jasper. Despite his failure to attract Croatian priests, his European journey was crowned with considerable success, for he brought over from Europe sixteen secular and two Benedictine priests, the latter from the abbey at Einsiedeln, Switzerland, who soon established a priory in the vicinity of Jasper. From humble beginnings, it developed into the present magnificent Benedictine St. Meinrad Archabbey.

From 1853 until his death Kundek suffered from illness, the result of overwork and hardship connected with missionary life. He consolidated his earlier work. The Benedictines began to lighten his missionary burdens, and before the end of his-life he had the consolation of seeing the fruits of his unremitting labors in four parishes and four missions he had founded. After nine months of serious illness, he died peacefully at Jasper on December 4, 1857, mourned by thousands of German immigrants and the many priests who were his collaborators. He was not quite 48 years of age. The well known German newspaper, the Wahrheitsfreund in Cincinnati, published two articles commemorating his death and praising him as a great missionary.

As long as it endures, the town of Jasper will be associated with the memory of Father Kundek. His labor has left a lasting impression upon all of southern Indiana. A local historian praised him thus: "A scholar and a gentleman was he, in the wilderness of Dubois County, as well as in the crowded cities of Europe. At the time of his death, there were more than 7,000 German Catholics in Dubois and Spencer counties, a vivid result of his colonizing efforts. His letters published through twenty years in the reports of the Leopoldine Society were the best examples of those "America letters" which historians of immigration have considered an important stimulus for the growth of the European emigration. A true leader of his flock, he aided his people not only in spiritual matters but also in their difficult adjustment to their new environment.

But Croatia did not send America only missionaries. During the nineteenth century it also sent considerable sums of money to America through the Leopoldine Society. Documentary evidence in the archives of the Archdiocese of Zagreb shows that between 1832 and 1858 thousands of florins were sent from Croatia "for maintenance of churches and schools in America." During Kundek's life alone as much as 57,000 florins (over fifty thousand dollars) was sent from Zagreb for the Catholic missions in America according to several writers.

In the middle of October, 1954, the Archabbey at St. Meinrad, which had been consecrated by Kundek, celebrated its centenary. A special delegation of Croatian priests and intellectuals, invited by the Archabbey, attended the centennial festivities. In honor of the occasion, Father Dunstan McAndrew's doctoral dissertation on Kundek, which he wrote at De Paul University, was published for the St. Meinrad Archabbey Centennial 1954 as a tribute to Father Joseph Kundek. A statue of Father Kundek has been erected in Jasper between the great church of St. Joseph and the parochial school. The inscriptiQn on the missionary's tombstone indicates his Croatian origin. In addition, one of the streets in Jasper is named in Kundek's honor. On December 8, 1957, a centennial celebration of Father Kundek's death provided a fitting commemoration of his life and works. The Governor of Indiana proclaimed December 8, 1957, "Father Kundek Day" in order "to pay tribute to a great missionary, pioneer and citizen who left Croatia, the land he loved to come and colonize the wilderness of this great state, for which we owe him a huge debt of gratitude. A large delegation of representatives from American-Croatian organizations participated in Kundek centennial celebrations in Jasper, and American newspapers commented extensively on Father Kundek's life and works.

KUNICH, ANGELO

Angelo Kunich, born on April 10, 1886 in Babino Polje, Island of Mljet, Croatia emigrated to America in 1907. He lived in Spreckels-Salinas and worked in the sugar mill. In February 1913 he married in Salinas, Ana Gled, born in Sumet by Dubrovnik. They had four children: Mary, born on November 7, 1913 in Spreckels, Angelo born on June 1, 1916 in Spreckels, Louis, born on October 25, 1919 in Spreckels, and Martin, born on November 13, 1925 in Oakland where the whole family had moved. Mary used to work as a secretary, while Angelo, Louie and Martin are veterans of World War 11.

KUNICH, PETAR Fisherman-Writer-Croatian Activities

Five brothers of the Kunich family from Babino Polje, Island of Mljet, Croatia also went to America: Petar, Andelo, Karlo, Marin and Nikola. Petar Kunich, born on September 18, 1879, was a sailor. aboard the steamship "Dubac" and "Oriole" from 1899 to 1904. When he came with his ship to the port of New Orleans in March 1904, he disembarked with the wish to find a job in America. At the beginning he used to fish in the waters of New Orleans, Afterwards he went to California, to Spreckels where he worked in a sugar mill. From there he moved to Oakland in 1913, where he worked in a printing shop where the newspaper "Narod" in Croatian was printed for numerous Croats, who lived throughout America. He married Pavle Karaman, born on February 7,1885 in Konavle. They had seven children: Maria, born in 1908 in Spreckels (died as a child), Maria, born on July 3rd 1909 in Spreckels, Angelo, born on November 2, 1910 in Spreckels, John, born on December 2, 1911 in Spreckels, Nick, born on November 15, 1913 in Oakland, Lucille, born on January 7, 1918 in Oakland and Eva, born on January 26, 1924 in Oakland. Petar Kunich used to write poetry and published a collection of poems in Oakland in the Christmas season 1931: It was entitled: "Novi Narodni Guslar". In the Foreword he wrote that the poems sprang up out of his heart during the dark nights on the stormy Atlantic and during his life in California as well. Addressing his brothers he emphasized the need to be proud of their language, nationality, homeland and their honorable family. His book of poems consists of 24 poems divided into three parts: patriotic, love poems and various, others.

KUNOVICH, PETE Tamburitza Hall of Fame-Composer

Pete Kunovich was born on May 19, 1919, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the late Louis and Mildred (Lackovic) Kunovich of Plesivica, Croatia. Next to the youngest of nine children, he completed his elementary education at Sts. Peter and Paul Parochial and Stambaugh schools. At the age of twelve Pete started to take lessons on the Hawaiian guitar, but times being very difficult, the family could not afford to have him continue. In April of 1933 he joined a Croatian club with some other teenagers with thoughts in their mind of organizing a tamburitza orchestra. They did, and with twelve others, they were being instructed by Professor John Rozgaj. In his third year at Chaney High School, Pete's father passed away. Being the oldest child at home, he had to leave school and go to work in the federal WPA program for two years. In 1939 he went to work for the Carnegie Illinois Steel Company. He retired in 1980 as a motor inspector with 41 years of service. Due to a physical disability and unable to enter military service in World War II, he played the prim and taught the group "Javor" of Warren, Ohio. In 1953 and 1954 he played second brac with the Joe Marmilich orchestra. He joined the musicians local 86-242 on October 22, 1954. Pete, with his brother Lou on the terc cello, and Gus Rogan on first brac, played together for many of the 54 years he has played the tambura. They have played for three tamburitza extravaganzas, various radio programs in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and a Caribbean cruise in 1980. They have cut eight LP albums over the years and have performed at many clubs, weddings, picnics, parties and many other affairs. They have not forgotten many older friends in nursing homes and hospitals and still entertain the elderly giving them many happy hours to brighten their remaining days. In 1983 at the Tamburitza Extravaganza in Chicago, Illinois, Pete and Gus Rogan were awarded the "50 Year Achievement Award" and were given a standing ovation. In October of i941 Pete and Louise (Cvetan) were united in marriage. They had two children, Dr. Robert Kunovic of Columbus, Ohio, and a daughter Dianne, now deceased. Pete and his wife sing in the choir at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Youngstown, Ohio. In 1979 Pete began to compose music and has many copyrights to some of his songs. He composed the theme song for the senior "Od Srca" tamburitzans, "Od Srca Mi Sviramo". Pete and Louise are members of this group also. He has written 13 other numbers, two of which are on their last 50th anniversary album. He has also arranged countless numbers for the tambura music. Pete conducts a group of 25 adults and also a beginners class of nine who meet once each week. He plays all tambura instruments except the bass. At the present time he plays the bugarija along with his brother Lou on the cello, Charlene Harrison on second brad, Ralph Filek on the bass, and Gus Rogan on first brac. Pete hopes that his 55 years of playing, composing, and arranging have helped in some small way toward the preservation of our beautiful tamburitza music. He has been one of the few people willing to give assistance to the newer groups of tamburitzans and has truly shown the spirit of preservation of our great tamburitza music.

KUNOVICH, ROBERT Professor

Robert M. Kunovich, son of Dr. Robert S. and Kathleen D. Kunovich and grandson of Peter and Louise Kunovich and the late August Rogan, recently completed his doctoral dissertation in the field of sociology and has received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University. Robert has accepted a tenure track assistant professor's position in the Department of Sociology at Boston College beginning in September. While at Boston College, Dr. Kunovich will teach undergraduate and graduate ethnic conflict and statistics and will continue his research on the sources of ethnic and racial prejudices. Robert and his family are all members of St. George Lodge 66, Croatian Fraternal Union, in Youngstown, Ohio.

KUPETS, JOHN Teacher-Military-Music

John Kupets was born December 15, 1926, a son of John and Mary Karpus Kupets at Republic, Pennsylvania and lived his entire life in that area. He was a member of Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society of the church in Republic. Brother Kupets was a 1945 graduate of Redstone Township high School, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in administration from Waynesburg College and a Masters of Education Degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He retired from California Area High School, where he worked for more than 33 years. He served as high school teacher, business manager, secretary of the School Board, maintenance supervisor, principal and acting superintendent. He received a certificate from Fayette County Civil Defense School, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as sergeant first class and chief supply specialist in World War 11 and the Korean conflict; Also, he served as football and basketball coach for school and other organizations and in 1975, he took the California Area High School Baseball Team to the W. P. 1. A. L. Championship. He was president of the St. George Parents Organization of the Junior Tamburitzans in 1978, and served as a notary public, Redstone Township auditor, secretary of the Republic Volunteer Fire Department. A longtime member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, he was a treasurer of the cafeteria fund at California Area High School. A member of many fraternal and civic organizations, on August 1, 1975, he affiliated with the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 354. On November 19, 1998 John A. Kupets, 71, of Republic, Pennsylvania died. On June 6, 1953, he married Martha Skowronek who survives and also surviving are two sons, John "Dan" Kupets of Uniontown, Pennsylvania and Mark Kupets of Gaithersburg, Maryland; six daughters, Rosemary Hogan of Merrittstown, Janine Holbrook of Alexandria, Virginia; Martha West of Roanoke, Virginia, Rita Kelly of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Trudy Bennelt of Bloomsburg and Kristen Luna of Arlington, Virginia. Prior to the conclusion of the Mass, his six daughters and two nieces, Megan and Heather Mihok, gathered around the coffin and sang - in Croatian and English "Hvala" as a final tribute to their father and uncle who made it possible'for them all to be participants in the St. George Tamburitza Ensemble. He with his six daughters and wife visited Croatia when the ensemble was on tour and he was thrilled that the Kupets Coat of Arms was on display in the Croatian Parliament Building. Wherever he went with his family, he urged his six daughters to take their tambura and play the songs that they had learned with the junior tamburitzans. His daughters singing of Hvala brought many tears to the eyes of those in attendance at the funeral Mass, especially those who understood the words and meaning of this touching song.

KURETICH-KURTIS, BILL Television Producer- Journalist-Attorney

Bill Kurtis, 59, is a second generation Croatian-American whose family hails from near Zagreb. From 1973 to 1982, he broadcast the local news from CBS in Chicago with co-anchor Walter Jacobson. Chicago Tribune media critic Jim Kirk called the pair one of the most "powerful news teams in a broad-shouldered city." "Those were the golden days," Kurtis said. "We were breaking stories and felt we had a big impact on people." Currently Kurtis hosts and produces "Investigative Reports," "American Justice" and "The New Explorers" on the A&E network. The prime time documentary programming series have earned the veteran journalist many awards, including several Emmy Awards.

Back in 1966 when Kurtis first landed in Chicago from his home of Independence, Kansas, he recognized the Windy City as a town for nationalities. "I called my father and asked him, "What am I? He said, "You're Croatian,' and I did’nt know what that was. I said, " Tell me a little about that.' That began Kurtis' ongoing education about the country where his grandfather, Mijo Kuretic was born. After the family moved to the United States, Kurtis' father changed their last name when he was 10 years old. But he still wonders about the town in Croatia where supposedly everybody has his christened moniker.

About 1,000 Croatians in Chicago offered him a crash course on their active local community when they attended a banquet at the Hyatt Regency in April 1999 to celebrate the opening of a Croatian Consulate in the city. As the emcee at the celebration, Kurtis was met with a standing ovation. "When they introduced me, I got this incredible applause," he said. To Croatians in Chicago, Kurtis is the Toni Kukoc of broadcast journalism and they are proud to claim him one of their own.

For more than 30 years, Kurtis' signature sonorous voice has drawn millions of viewers to the boob tube for their dose of news. However, he never intended it that way. Kurtis graduated from the University of Kansas in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. From there he went to law school and worked at a television station to support himself. In 1966, armed with his Juris Doctor degree from Kansas Washburn University School of Law, Kurtis, was prepared to start a career as a lawyer. "Although I had accepted a job with a trial firm in Wichita, I was still reporting for a local station when a tornado literally ripped a new highway through the state capitol," he said. "I was on the air at the time and saw first hand what television can do. In this case, it saved lives with its instant warning, and my career decision was made."

At CBS in Chicago, Kurtis and co-anchor Walter Jacobson helped the station earn top ratings. He left Chicago in 1982 for a short stint in New York anchoring the national "CBS Morning News." But by 1985 he returned with the intention of focusing on long-form reporting. Kurtis, who was then earning a multimillion-dollar salary in a cushy job and was a popular television anchor, risked it all to start down a new journalism path. "I was at a growth point in my fife and I wanted to be my own boss," he said. "I'm glad I took the risk." It has paid off handsomely. Kurtis Productions has developed several programs that allow him to delve into in-depth reporting. "Investigative Reports" is one of the most highly rated weekly programs on the A&E cable network. The show covers a single contemporary news topic for one hour five nights a week. Kurtis has presented some of the most-talked about news-based documentaries on television, including "The Men Who Killed Kennedy" and "Hillary Rodham Clinton: First Lady on the Front Line." "American Justice" has presented programs on fascinating crimes in this century, including the O.J. Simpson trial and serial killers Charles Manson, John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer. Producing a show is no easy task. One episode of "Investigative Reports," for example, requires six months of research, and when Kurtis isn't sleeping, "he's always working," according to one of his assistants.

Kurtis has also written several books, including Bill Kurtis: On Assignment and Chicago Portraits: Biographies of 250 Famous Chicagoans. He also recently narrated the CD component of We Interrupt This Broadcast, which recalls the most famous and infamous moments of the 20th century.

Kurtis partly attributes his work ethic to his grandfather, who was a farmer in Croatia. Though he is still learning about the Croatian community in Chicago, he called Croatians, "responsible people and hard working. Given a job, they'll do it to the end." Kurtis said it is important that Croatians, preserve their culture in the new millennium. "Nobody else is going to do it," he said. "It requires strong leadership and maintaining a strong historical society with books and literature and the war record." He encouraged Croatians to promote their culture and take advantage of Croatians, like himself who have some influence.

"Tell the Croatian story," he urged. Kurtis is also doing his share. He has a Web site which contains links to several Croatian organizations and said that he would like to help preserve the beauty of Croatia, which he saw a glimpse of on the unsolicited videotape. An environmentalist, Kurtis would like to partner with other Croatians to preserve some of the waterfalls or parks that beckoned him to visit. He has his eyes set on buying a castle and some real estate in Croatia. "It's calling me back," he said. "I want to go." Zlata Kozul Naumovski.

KUSANOVICH, LOU Horse Racing Board-State Senator

Former State Senator Lou Cusanovich, R-Westlake Village, died after a long illness. He was 72. His wife, Elleen, said that he suffered from respiratory ailments. “His heart gave our,” she said. Cusanovich, a descendant of a pioneer California family, often took the podium to preside over the Senate sessions before leaving the Legislature nearly six years ago. Until last summer, Cusanovich was a member of the California Horse Racing Board, a post to which he was appointed by former Governor Jerry Brown. Cusanovich served in the Senate from 1966 until 1979. Before that, he was in the Assembly for nine years. Before entering politics, Cusanovich operated a lumber business in the San Fernando Valley. His people came from the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia.

KUSPILICH, MARIN Shipyard Worker

Dear Mr. Eterovich, I would be amiss if I did not stop to take the time to say "Thank you." Your guide to Croatian Genealogy has cleared very muddy waters. I have just learned that my family heritage is Croatian and not the Austrian we always believed! It also explains why Great-Granddad also added Yugoslavia and Italian! I have learned that the family name was spelled Kuspilic and not Cuspilich and why the name change. I believe we came from "Cuzzola" which is now Korcula in Croatia. My search for “roots" continues. You have helped that search without knowing it! Thank you.

We have never found Great Granddad's immigration papers. Oral family history says he "jumped ship." What ship or where we don't know! He was Marin/Marino Cuspilich (our spelling). He settled in the Hudson County area of New Jersey (the backside of- the Statue of Liberty). He was Roman Catholic.

He married a woman from Hoboken, New Jersey last name of Capelli. (Italian) Their first born son, My Grandfather John was born, in 1894. Marin/Marion must have arrived at least before that date! He never learned to speak English. My own Father (also John) never learned to speak whatever language great Granddad spoke. He guesses Italian. We always thought we were Austrian but now I understand I am probably Croatian. Oral family history says the town was Cuzzola. I checked the Ellis Island records and I can find other Cuspilich's listed as coming from Cuzzola, Austria although I don't know who they are or where they are now! I am also not sure if yesteryear's Cuzzola is today's Korcula. Great Granddad told my Father that he could fish from his bedroom window! He worked at the shipyards on the Hudson River. As far as my Father knows his only cousins, Aunts and Uncles were my Great Grandmother's family. My own Father thinks Marin/Marino was alone. Now at 83, my Father has a thirst to learn of his heritage. I do too. We now live on Cape Cod. Pine trees & ocean. From what I can gather, this is much like Korcula! I am happy by the ocean. My Brother & Dad's brother Francis were in the navy and at home on the sea. All this may not be just a coincidence! I read your guide and was very impressed. Oral family history also says that a lot of our men became priests. That's is not good for producing heirs! There are so few of us. Hopefully, someday I will find our roots. Thank you for your interest and help.

KUZINA, VINKO Engineer

Vinko Kuzina is a Structural Designer at Gibbs and Hill in New York City, New York. Born April 2, 1921 in Sibenik, Croatia. Education includes Real Gymnasium, Sibenik, Croatia, Graduate 1939; University of Zagreb, Zagreb 1939-52, Diploma Engineer, 1952 with a major field in Civil Engineering and a specialty in the Hydrotechnical field. Member and officer in The United American Croats; North American Council for Independence of Croatia; Croatian Committee for the Protection of Human Rights; Croatian Radio Club, New York. Occupational experience: Field Engineer, Sibenik, Croatia 1953-56; Field Engineer, Bari, Italy 1957-58; Structural Designer, Sharon, Pennsylvania 1959-62; Structural Senior Designer, New YorkCity, New York 1962.

LACOVIC, RAYMOND F. Aeronautical Research Scientist

Raymond Lacovic is an Aeronautical Research Scientist at NASA-Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio. Born September 22, 1942 to Croatian parents in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Education includes University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1960-63, B.S., 1963; University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1963-65, M.S., 1965 with a major field in Chemical Engineering and a specialty of Theoretical Thermodynamics. Thesis:1965 The effect of a Damping Fluid on the Sonic Velocity in Viscoelastic Materials. Member of Omega Chi Epsilon, Honorary Society of Chemical Engineers. Work is directly pertinent to the Atlas-Centaur Space Vehicle which was instrumental in placing Surveyor I on the moon.

LALLY, JOANNE Croatian Activities

Joanne (Modrcin) Lally serves as the Treasurer of North American Croatian Relief, Inc. (N.A.CR.) based in Kansas City, Kansas that will be celebrating its tenth anniversary in September. Joanne graduated from St. John the Baptist as have her three children. She and her late husband Tom Lally were married at St. Johns and the family continues to be members there. She was one of the five original members of "Celebrate the Children" - the forerunner of the N.A.CR. "I'm proud to be affiliated with this group and the volunteers, says Joanne, and am in awe at the growth and the many, many containers we have shipped. It's amazing to me that such a small working organization, with the aid of its many contributors, can accomplish so much." Joanne's expanding family includes daughter Kathy, husband Loren Bareiss, and their children Amanda and Eric; daughter Kelly, her husband Ed Grisnik, and their children Max and Isabel]; and son, Tom Lally, and wife Carrie and their daughter Madison. Joanne's parents, Ignac and Kala (Dolmar) Modrcin were bom in Lipnik, Karlovac, Croatia. They immigrated to Kansas City, Kansas, and were married at St. John the Baptist Church on November I1,1922. "I’m very -proud of my heritage and often think of the courage it took for my parents to leave their home, for a new countty and way of life while still retaining the culture of their homeland, a culture that our family still holds on to." The things closest to my heart are my family, my church, and my friends. Joanne has been a tireless worker. As Treasurer of the NACR., she has an enormous responsibility for keeping the most accurate records. Her patience for detail makes her a natural for the job - so much so that she has been re-elected by the members of the Board since its beginning. Joanne states that that happens because no one else want the job. We know better - no one can do the job as well as she does. She is a relentless worker for the N.A.C.R. cause.

LANDIKUSIC, TOMISLAV H. Librarian

Tomislav is a Slavic Cataloger at the Main Library, Catalog Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. Born March 7, 1933 in Gornji Vakuf, Bosnia. Education includes lst Classical Gymnasium, Bogdan Ogrizovic, Zagreb, 1952; Faculty of Economics, Zagreb, 1952-54; East Carolina College, Greenville, North Carolina, 1959-61, A.B.; Indiana University, Bloomington, M. S. , 1965 with a major field of Library Science and specialty in Cataloging books in all Slavic languages. Member of American Library Association; U.S. Army Reserve (Officer - 2nd Lt.) 1961-1962; Library of Congress. 1962; Librarian at Indiana University; also translator.

LAPLANTE, LAURA Actress

Laura, one of Universal Studios top Hollywood female film stars during the silent era, was born in St. Louis. She entered the film industry at the age of 13 and was dubbed the “All-American girl-next-door type”, going on to make 62 films, including comedies, melodramas, western serials, and the silent classics, “Show Boat” and “The Cat and the Canary”. In 1934 she moved to London to work on plays and films and shortly after married her second husband film producer Irving Asher. Soon after, Laura quit the film business to have children. Asher and La Plante were married over fifty years and had two children, a son and daughter, Jill. Laura returned to film in 1946 and again in 1956 to make cameo appearances in “Little Mr. Jim” and “Spring Reunion”.

LASANEO, GEORGE City Worker

George Lasaneo was born in San Francisco and his wife, Mary Balovich, was born on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia. They met and married in San Francisco during the 1930’s. George was a life long member of the Slavonic Society of San Francisco. They had a large family of children: Marilynne, George, Lorraine, Michael, Yvonne, Thomas, Robert, Nicholas and John Lasaneo.

LATKOVIC, WILSON Councilman

Wilson M. Latkovic was the son of Croatian immigrants from Zumberak, Croatia. As shown in the cases of Boyd and Kovach, the Zumbercani seemed to have a gift for politics. Before he joined the U.S. Armed Forces, Latkovic served as secretary of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 859 Zumberak. From 1952 until June of 1967, Latkovic served as Councilman for the then downtown Ward 31, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a well known figure at many Croatian gatherings. He was for years the only American Croatian in the Cleveland City Council. He retired in June 1967 due to illness.

LAZANEO, NICK Mayor

Back in 1939, Fremont High School star Nick Lazaneo threw a no-hitter against Santa Clara High, the defending champ in the Santa Clara Valley League. His pitching and batting led his team to the league title that season and an offer from the New York Yankees. Nick Lazaneo signed that contract, but the promise of work in an athletic career, i.e. play, did not match the conventional wisdom of a job in a Depression, i.e. work. Nick Lazaneo stayed home to work and attend San Mateo Junior College. During World War 11, he served in the merchant marine, and he came back to a job with Dix Pont chemical experimental station in Cupertino. When offered a promotion if he moved east, Mr. Lazaneo said no. He went to work for Niagara Chemical, a subsidiary of FMC Corp., became a sales manager and never left. Even though Mr. Lazaneo was 5 when his family brought him south from San Francisco, Cupertino was first. He was elected to its city council in 1958 and served a term as mayor in 1962. He didn't run for re-election. but he never missed an opportunity to assume a role as ambassador for his city. Mr. Lazaneo was also a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union, the Slavonian American Benevolent Society and the AmSlav Club, which he helped found and served as president. Other affiliations included the Blato Club of San Francisco, Kiwanis Club, Native Sons of the Golden West and the Cupertino Historical Society. A pinched nerve in a hip Mr. Lazaneo had had replaced several years ago sent him to a Mountain View hospital just last week. While there, he suffered what may have been a heart attack, said his daughter, Gail, and he died Friday. An autopsy was planned. Nick J. Lazaneo was 75. In January, he celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with the woman he met at a rosary. "Everybody loved him," said Viola Vlahovich Lazaneo. "He was just a great guy." Born: Dec. 16, 1920, San Francisco, Calif. Died: July 5,1996, Mountain View, Calif . Survived by: Wife, Viola Lazaneo; daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Matthew Hurley; grandchildren, Nicole, Joseph and William Hurley, all of San Jose; sister, Mary Butler of Mission Viejo; numerous nieces and nephews. Nick’s parents were born on the Island of Brac, Croatia.

LAZO CLAN Restaurant-Railroad

Petar Lazo, son of Marin from Babino Polje, Island of Mljet, Croatia came to Oakland in the late 1890’s. He worked at the railroad. He married Ane Srsen, born in Soline-Govedari in 1886. Petar was born in 1880. Their wedding took place in 1908 in Watsonville in St. Patrick church, because Ane used to work there at the hotel of Duro Strazicich. They had four children: Martin, born on January 23, 1909, Pauline, born on Januray 29, 1910, Vincent, born on February 15, 1912, and Peter born on January 20, 1913. They were all born in Oakland where the family of Petar Lazo was residing. Later on Petar Lazo managed to become a co-owner of a restaurant. Nikola Lazo, Petar's borther also lived in Oakland. There he was a coowner with Petar Divanovich, a co-owner of the "Ideal Cafe" restaurant. After the sale of that restaurant Nikola Lazo moved to Calgary, Canada, where he married a girl of Irish origin. They had a son Robert, and a daughter. Marin Lazo a cousin of Petar and Nikola, also lived and worked in Oakland. At the begining of third decade of the 20th century he returned from America to live in Babino PoIje.

LEKO, BLAGO Real Estate Broker-Croatian Activities

Born May 13, 1943 in Tihaljina, Hercegovina. Arrived in America July 27, 1962. Ever since 1962 has lived in California. Received B.A. in history and politcal science at California State University Northrigde, 1977. Owner of a very successful real estate office since 1986 with 50 associates. Active in Los Angeles since arrival until 1994. For many years belonged to Croatian National Congress, “Sinovi Slobode Los Angeles” and served as President. Served as President of the Croatian Fraternal Union Branch 1986. Was a member of a Croatian Democratic Union and served as president for three years of “Ante Starcevic- Los Angeles.” Served as vice-president of the Croatian Democratic Union for the USA, 1992 and 1993.

LEPESH, ANDREW P. Food Wholesaler

Having heard of the wonderful opportunities in California afforded to any man who was willing to work, Andrew P. Lepesh left his native home in far-away Dalmatia to see what America had to offer, and he has not been disappointed. He was born in Smokavliani, Dalmatia, on December 11, 1865, and was the son of Peter and Kate Lepesh. He started to work at the early age of twelve years, and at the age of seventeen he made the trip to the United States, coming direct to San Jose, in 1883, where he had a cousin living, John N. Lepesh, who had come here twenty years before and who died in 1888. He began to work for fruit ranchers and was in this line of employment for a period of two years, when he engaged in restaurant work and continued in this occupation for about a year and a half. In 1888 he bought a grocery and fruit store, located in the Rea Building from his cousin’s window, and in 1910 he and J. S. Mise formed a partnership under the firm name of Lepesh-Mise Company and moved their present location, at Market and St. Augustine streets, where they are operating a wholesale and retail grocery business which has proved most successful. Mr. Lepesh is an enthusiastic and energetic worker in the interest of his people and in this work also he has made great progress. His activities during the war in the various loan drives as a member and captain of the Slavonian committee from San Jose that made the Slavonian day, September 20, 1915, such a success at the San Francisco Exposition. He is a member of the Red Men, the Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the advisory board of the Bank of Italy.

LESICNIAK, MILIVOJ Businessman-Croatian Activities-Sports

Milivoj Lesicnak is an important member of our Croatian community in Sacramento. He has served on the Executive Board of the Croatian American Cultural Center for many years holding several different offices. He has been responsible for printing the Extravaganza souvenir book for several years, and he has donated the printing for many other events over the years.  Milovoj is one of the first members to volunteer when help is needed, especially with the barbeque. He is originally from Dugo Selo, Croatia, near Zagreb, and in 1966 and 1967, played on the Croatian National Ping Pong Team.  he moved to the United States in 1977 and met and married Marija Delisimunovic in 1978. They had one son. In 1985, they opened MM Printing and Milivoj also has a second business, Mike’s Printing and Copy Repairs.  He is reigning ping pong champion of the Croatian American Cultural Center and welcomes a good match anytime.

LESKOVAR, BRANKO Scientist-Professor

Dr. Branko Leskovar, a research engineer and scientist, was born on July 2, 1930 in Zagreb, Croatia.  He received a diploma- Engineer and Doctor of Science Degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Zagreb in 1954 and 1963, respectively. His doctoral thesis was entitled “Coherent Detection of Electric Signals”. After graduation he became employed as a research engineer and scientific associate int he Institute Ruder Boskovic, Zagreb, from 1954 to 1965.  Since 1965 Dr. Leskovar has been associated with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, as a staff senior scientist and section leader in the Electronic Engineering Department.  There he was involved in developing advanced instrumentation systems for basic and applied research. Since his retirement, in 1994, he has been active as a scientific advisor and project reviewer at LBNL and the US Deparment of Energy. Dr. Leskovar was very active in the following organizations which helped the Republic of Croatia in the last six years. The Croatian Fraternal Union of America, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which has sent humanitarian help to Croatia in the value of more than 110 million dollars. Rotary Club of Santa Rosa, Northern California; SABRE Foundation, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Scientific Assistance Project- which sent more than 200,000 scientific books.

LESKOVAR-JELIC, EMA Professor of Language

Ema Jelic-Leskovar taught Croatian language at University of California, Berkeley for 20 years. Professor Johanna Nichols, chairwoman of the department of Slavic languages and literatures at the university, said “She was a superb teacher”. Born in Zagreb, Croatia, she studied and later taught languages and literature at the University of Zagreb. She and her husband, Branko Leskovar, came to Berkeley in 1966. He is a senior engineer at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Jelic-Leskovar leaves her father, Ivan Jelic, and a brother, Dr. Ivan Jelic, in Croatia. Ema died at the age of 53.

LETICA, ILIJA Corporation President-Chemical Engineer

llija Letica, founder and Chairman of the Board of Letica Corporation of Rochester, Michigan, started his firm in 1967 manufacturing five-gallon plastic pails. Today, Letica Corporation manufactures various industrial packaging products, with thirteen (13) plants throughout the United States, and licensee's in Japan, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and throughout the world. Born in Duvno, now known as Tomislavgrad, Mr. Letica was the youngest of nine (9) children. He attended grade school in Duvno, and went to high school in Jesenice. He left his homeland in 1951. With the help of Catholic Relief Service he attended the University of Strasbourg, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. He met his future wife, Gudrun, in English class. They married in 1954 and in 1955 immigrated with their baby daughter to Canada. In 1957 Mr. Letica immigrated to the United States on a professional quota as a process engineer for Ford Motor Company. In 1960 he started his own engineering firm and eventually refocused the business, which is the foundation of today's leading edge packaging business. "I had a few dreams as any young man has," Letica said. My heroes are Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Edison. Those are American heroes; those are the people who built the United States. They built the public libraries, museums, theatres, and other cultural monuments. Everything was financed by these hard-working men." Of the business Mr. Letica developed he states, "We were always designers and innovators of various products. We saw the future in synthetic materials. We committed ourselves to developing the most innovative packaging products industry wide." Today, those products span both plastic and paper, supplying Fortune 500 Companies throughout the world. Letica corporation ranks #10 among the largest custom injection molders in plastics in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, placing it among the leaders in an industry that includes several thousand custom injection molders, according to the premier industry journal Plastic News. Although in the United States for over 40 years, Mr. Letica never gave up the dream that Croatia would one day have a free democratic future for itself. In the summer of 1989, Mr. Letica went to Croatia and saw first hand the impact U.S. policy was having on all countries. "I knew then the time was at hand for a true opportunity for Croatians to be free."

Mr. Letica committed himself and his resources to supporting pro democracy activities in Croatia. He met with hundreds of politicians in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, including President Bush, Margaret Thatcher, and Vice-President Al Gore (who at that time was Senator Gore). "It was a massive education campaign, because at that point many of the politicians and civil servants did not even know about Croatia." The people of Croatia would soon become all too well known. Ilija Letica continues to work for the development of a strong democratic Croatia. "The future of Croatia is in developing a true free-market economy, strong independent legal system, and continuing the work of developing a democratic political system. Croatia is blessed with natural resources and good people. We need to continue to work hard and never let go of the dream."

LETTUNICH, EDWARD B. Fruit Shipper Businessman

With the passing of the late Edward B. Lettunich at Watsonville in the last month of year 1919 many thereabout felt regretfully that all untimely had come the close of a most promising business career. In the very height of his vigorous and energetic manhood Mr. Lettunich was stricken down with then all too commonly prevailing influenza that took such dreadful toll in this country and there thus came an interruption to the culmination of the extensive plans for business expansion he had set on foot. As a promoter of the material interests of the Watsonville trade and shipping area few had rendered more active service than had Mr. Lettunich and he had done much toward the development of the material interests of the community, with particular reference to realty development and the expansion of the fruit shipping industry. Active in business, faithful in his various relations with his fellowmen, a fine companion socially and an indefatigable worker, Mr. Lettunich not only had acquired a wide acquaintance but had endeared himself to all. At his passing therefore he left a good memory and it is but fitting that in this definite history of the region he had so faithfully and so usefully served there should be carried some brief review of his life and career.

LETTUNICH, MATEO Restaurant-Fruit Packer-Shipper

A native of Mihanici, Dalmatia, Croatia who has made his mark in America is Mateo Lettunich, a businessman of 110 Maple avenue, Watsonville, known throughout and beyond Santa Cruz county. He was born in Dalmatia, February 2, 1857, the son of Nicholas and Anna Lettunich.

When sixteen years old, he came to the United States, and for a year he supported himself in New York. He then went south to Aspinwall, Panama, and tried the heavy labor requirements as a longshoreman but on account of the fever prevalent there, he came north to San Francisco, and in 1875 engaged in the restaurant business. He next moved into the wilds of Humboldt county. In Arcadia he started a restaurant for himself but tiring of this he left the redwood forests and made for the more settled Eureka. There he remained for fourteen years, while serving others with his appetizing meals. While in Humboldt county he engaged in the buying of fruit and timberland and in different lines he became a trader. He then went for a visit to Dalmatia. On his return to the United States in 1892 he came direct to Watsonville, for as early as 1888 he had become interested, with his cousin, in the possibilities of fruit buying and fruit packing in Santa Cruz county. It was not long therefore before these ambitious young men were first to ship apples by the carload and, thanks to the impetus given them by their old neighbors, they shipped the first car of bellflower apples from this section, which was since become so famous for its apples. From a modest beginning they have gradually become the largest shippers and packers and growers of apples in this locality and now Mateo Lettunich is the owner of the celebrated Del Monte fruit ranch at Aromas, is one of the owners of the Lettunich building in Watsonville, the principal office building in that city and also has other large property interests in and about the city. He was one of the organizers of the Fruit Growers Bank of which he is still a director. Mr. Lettunich married Miss Rose Farlan, a native daughter, who was born in 1875 and who died in 1900, leaving two children, Nicholas N. and Louis - the latter a volunteer in the World War campaigns of the United States army. He enlisted really before he was of age, and saw hard service in far-off Siberia. One grandchild, Mateo, gives joy to the grandfather. Mr. Lettunich is a member of the Knights of Columbus, of which he was a charter organizer. As one of the organizers of the Austrian Benevolent Society, he has done much for his native countrymen of this community, while himself doing his full duty as a loyal American by adoption.

LETTUNICH, PETER N. Fruit Packer

Peter N. Lettunich, senior member of the well known fruit Packing firm of P.N. Lettunich and Company, died at his home on Fifth street this morning at 3 o'clock, August 11. 1904. Deceased had not been in good health for more than two years and recently he had been failing rapidly. He was born in Dalmatia, Croatia 31 years ago and came to Pajaro Valley about fourteen years ago. Since his arrival here he had been engaged in the fruit business and to him much credit was due for bringing Pajaro valley apples into fame in Europe. His firm was the one that originated the celebrated "Dewey Brand" and caused it to become famous all over the country. by reason of superior quality and exellent pack. On the date of the marriage of Admiral Dewey in Washington P. N. Lettunich & Company forwarded to him a box of the valley's choicest apples. In a courteous letter, published in the Pajaronian at the time, the great admiral expressed his high appreciation of the fruit and commented upon its excellent quality. At that time the "Dewey Brand" was adopted. P. N. Lettunich was a man of strict honesty and integrity, his word being as good as his bond. In business dealings he displayed good judgment. He possessed a kindly nature which readily won him friends. About four years ago he returned to Croatia and was married. His wife and one child born of the union survive him. He was a good husband and good father and his death breaks up a happy home. Deceased was a brother of M. N. Lettunich and Edwin B. Lettunich.

LIKAN, GUSTAV Artist-Professor

Gustav Likan is an artist in Austin, Texas. Born May 1, 1912 in Srb, Lika, Croatia; married with one child. Education includes lst Real Gymnasium, Zagreb, Diploma 1926; Academy of Fine Arts, Munich, Paris, Rome, Hague. 1930-1937 with a specialty in Artistic painting. Professor, Acadeny of Fine Arts, Munich, Germany; Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. Paintings to be found in museums and galleries in Europe, America and South America.

LIMAN, ERZIKA Nurse-Croatian Activities

Erzika has been Treasurer for seven years and prior to that sat on the Board of Trustees of the Croatian American Cultural Center for three years.  Erzika was born in Medumurje and came to the United States in 1970. She worked as a mid-wife in Croatia for 16 years, then in Libya for 2 years.  She worked for 22 years at Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento as a nurse in the maternity ward.  She headed up the kitchen during the Extravaganza for years.  Erzika is the first member to help when one of our elderly members or friends is ill.  Her efforts and talents are greatly appreciated.

LIPAK, ROBERT Fireman-Military

He was born December 30, 1925 in Highland Park, Michigan the only child of Stephen and Mary (Stricko) Lipak, who were active Croatian Fraternal Union members. Robert received a Purple Heart after serving with the 1st Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan, in World War 11. He worked as a Hazel Park firefighter for 28 years and was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union for his whole life. He was a member of Spirit 64 Fire Department in Detroit, Michigan. With heartfelt woe I report the death of my husband, Robert Lipak, 76, who died January 10, 2002 at home. Survivinq are his wife Anne Serdar Lipak of Grand Rapids and granddaughter Tracy Olane.

LISTER, WALTER Baseball

Had Walter Lister been graced with a blue ox and admirers with more vivid imagination, he could have become the Paul Bunyan of San Francisco semi-pro baseball. As it was, all he had was a prodigious right arm and admiriers whose imaginations were limited to wondering how they could ever get a hit off him. Thus, Lister has had to settle for relatively anonymous greatness. In thirty-four years of pitching semi-pro baseball, Lister was estimated by sports writers of his era to have won, conservatively, somewhere between 900 and 1000 games in about 12000 appearences. He once won twenty-nine straight in one season, was beaten 1-0 in the thirteenth and last game of the season, and then won his first sixteen next season.  He pitched his last no-hitter when he was forty, against a team made up a largely of Coast Leaguers. it was during the war years, 1943, and pro baseball was short of players. Ray Harrell, a leading pitcher with the San Francisco Seals, was Lister’s pitching opponent. After the game Harrell told a reporter, “That guy (Lister) dosen’t belong here.  He should at least be in the Coast League.” When he was forty-seven, the oldest active player in California, Lister officially retired. In his last game he pitched the Portola Merchants to a championship. Still throwing his time-tested fastball, he allowed only two bloop hits and stuck out fourteen. Yet Walter Lister played exactly five innings of professional baseball and in 1968 retired as a machinist foreman from the American Can Company, for which he worked for forty-eight years.

LIVAJUSIC, ANTHONY S. Priest-Professor-Editor

Anthony Livajusic is a Hospital Chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Canton, Ohio. Born November 27, 1903 in Komar, Bosnia, Croatia.Education includes Archdiocesan Gymnasium, Travnik, Bosnia Diploma, 1924; Seminary of Archdiocese of Vrhbosna, Sarajevo 1924-28. Gregorian University, Rome, S.T.D., 1930 with a major field in Dogmatic Theology. Thesis in 1930 "De authencitate Quarti Evangelii," Gregorian University. Teacher of Psychology; 1931-37 Editor, Katolicki Sv (Catholic World); 1937-45 Editor, Vrhbosna, Official paper of the Archdiocese, Vrhbosna at Sarajevo, Bosnia.

LIVOVICH, ANDREW F. Scientist

Andrew Livovich is a Senior Research Scientist at Universal Atlas Cement Division, United States Steel Corporation, Gary, Indiana. Born September 18, 1915 to Croatian parents in East Chicago, Indiana; married with two children. Education includes Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, A.B., 1940; De Paul University, Chicago. Illinois 1946-47; Roosevelt University, Chgo. Illinois 1950-51 with a major field in Chemistry and Ceramic Engineering, Applied Research - Refractory Concrete. Past President Croatian Singing Society. Preradovic and Croatian Glee Club Sloga 1965. SecretaryTreasurer. Sacred Heart of Jesus. Croatian Catholic Union Lodge I 1966.

LJUBETICH, ANDREW Fisherman

My grandfather, Andrew Lubetich was born in Sutivan, Brac, and island village not far from the city of Split, Croatia. My grandmother, Tonino, was also born there. They had four children; Jerry, Maria (my mother), Domina, and Cannan. My grandfather came to the United States in the late 1890's by himself, leaving his family in Croatia. He settled in a little village called Clifton, near Astoria, Oregon. It was a village with many Croatians from the islands off of Split. All of the men were gillnet fishermen. Everyone saved their money, what little they made, so they could bring their families to America. My uncle Jerry was the first of the family come over. My mother Maria was next to arrive at Ellis Island in March of 1911. She could not speak any English, so she would use her hands to express herself. She told of someone trying to feed her a banana and she thought they were trying to poison her. At seventeen years of age my mother arrived in Clifton, Oregon. My grandfather had already picked out a husband for her by the name of Nick Mardesich; but my mother fell in love with Nick Joncich, my father. My father was born in Komiza, island of Vis, Croatia. his father's name was John and his mother's name was Vizanza. My father was from a family of six children. Two of them died in childhood. My father along with his brother, Jack, came to the United States when he was 14 years old. They settled in Clifton, Oregon and "Bingo!" he met and married my mother. Mother and Father brought six children into this world. Me, Winifred Rose: born August 17, 1912; Johny, born March 6, 1914; Minnie Pearl, born November 2 1, 1916; and Andrew (Babe), born August 18, 1919. We had two sisters that died in their first year of life. By: Winnie Joncich Mardesich. (Sleasman 2000)

LJUBETICH, ANTON, JOHN, MICHAEL, MARKO, NIKOLA, PETER

Restaurants-Saloons-Goldminers

Marco and Michael were from the Island of Brac. They operated a saloon at 605 Davis Street in San Francisco in 1862. Marco owned and operated the famed San Francisco Saloon at Virginia City, Nevada. Michael mined gold in Butte County, then opened the Overland Restaurant and Saloon at 29 North 1st street in San Jose.

LJUBIC, IVAN Saloon-Boardinghouse-President CFU

Ivan Ljubic was born 14 June 1854, in the village of Orisje, to Ivan Ljubic and Barbara Cainar (Canjar). Ivan married Maria Kralj on 31 January 1875, in the parish church of Sveti Mavar Opat, in Bosiljevo. Children soon followed; Josip was born in december of 1875, Ivan (John Jr.) in 1878, Amalia (Emma) in 1884, and Vjekoslav (Edward Adolph) in 1887.   In 1889, Ivan left his home in Croatia and settled in the mill town of Benwood, West Virginia, adjacent to the city of Wheeling. Meanwhile, Maria, still in Orisje, gave birth to Stjepan (Steven) in February of 1890. Not long afterwards, Maria and all the children departed Croatia for their new home in West Virginia. Ivan quickly acclimated himself to his new surroundings. Unlike most other immigrants, he did not seek employment in the steel mills of Benwood. Instead, he became a saloon keeper and boarding house owner. Generally, the saloon keepers and boarding house owners were the natural leaders in the immigrant communities; Ivan Ljubic was no exception to this rule. His daily dealings with his fellow countrymen made him keenly aware of the dreadful conditions in which so many of them lived and worked. Witnessing so much misery, he quickly became convinced that something needed to be done. In 1893, along with other like-minded individuals, he founded the Croatian Lodge in Benwood, and served as it's president. Soon, Croatian communities in other cities were forming their own lodges. It did not take long for leaders in various cities to realize that there would be great advantages in working together on a national level. In September of 1894, representatives from 6 lodges met in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and formed the National Croatian Society (later to become the Croatian Fraternal Union of America). Ivan Ljubic was elected the first president.

The National Croatian Society was primarily an organization that provided assistance to members and their families in case of death, disease, accident, unemployment or other distress. But as the organization grew, it also became the great promoter and preserver of Croatian culture in the United States. From it's rather humble beginnings in 1894, the Croatian Fraternal Union of America has grown to become the largest and most influential Croatian society outside of Croatia, with a membership of well over 90,000 people, and assets in excess of $150 million dollars. Ivan Ljubic served two terms as president of the new society - September 1894 to August 1900, and November 1904 to October 1906, a time which saw a rapid expansion of the organization.

During this period his family continued to grow as well. In 1894, son William was born, and in 1898, daughter Genevieve. On the eighth of April the following year, Maria Kralj died. In 1902 Ivan married Ida Vogler, a Wheeling native of German heritage. She bore him three more sons - Albert in 1903, Charles (my grandfather) in 1906, and Arthur in 1910. In 1906 Ivan left Benwood, and settled in Johnstown, Pennsylvania where he was once again a proprietor of a boarding house, the Hotel Ljubic. Around 1920 he left Johnstown for McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh), where he died on 7 July, 1923. Today, his many descendents are scattered from coast-to-coast in the great land that became his adopted home.

LJUBICIC, IVAN Tennis

Tennis player Ivan Ljubicic ranked 43rd best tennis player in the world, he is at age 22 in 2001 talented, focused and disciplined. Highly motivated, Ljubicic achieved fantastic results this year when he beat a number of top tennis players including Andre Agassi. "I want to give and try everything I can in tennis," said Ljubicic. "Top ten is reachable." Asked about any weaknesses, Ljubicic said, "Not really, I just need more confidence". All around player, not limiting himself to a particular surface, his goal is to continue in the direction of "I can beat anybody, anytime. No rush, it will came." Ljubicic received his base training in Italy at a tennis academy. Now he trains in Monte Carlo with an Italian coach Ricardo Piazzi since '97. He has no plans to move to tennis Mecca in Florida. In Monte Carlo, in between professional tournaments, he is able to practice all year around, always perfect conditions with 25-degree temperature. In Monaco he has free tennis courts available at any time and endless supply of tennis balls.Ordinary he practices 5 hour's per day tennis plus crosstraining in the gym. Lots of stretching and psychical therapy to prevent any injuries. It takes 8 hours per day. In his spare time, Ljubicic loves computer games. He speaks fluent English, Italian and of course Croatian. Born in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, he was 13 years old when the family made a dramatic escape during the war via Belgrade and moved to Zagreb, Croatia. Now he has a steady girlfriend for 6 years. In terms of mentors in his young life, Ljubicic mentions his parents. "They always gave me support, which was not easy for them. I left when I was 14 and moved to Italy. From that moment I have never been home for more then 10 days in a row. I am always traveling. My parents gave me support that was crucial, very important and the freedom by not forcing me to go to school. I saw Wimbledon on TV, so I wanted to play tennis. Even though soccer was so popular, I wanted to do something different. Every day in my life I wanted to be better and improve. I wanted to learn more, I can't be satisfied with small things". Ivan is supporting the entire family and happy to do it. His brother is a physical therapist, assisting Ivan and part of his entourage. " I am just giving back to my family what they gave me when I was a kid." Ljubicic is particularly grateful to his management company from London who recognized his talent and took a chance on him when he was still just a junior tennis player. From them he received much needed financial support. "They took me on when I was nobody."

"I find it difficult to play in Croatian Open in Umag, because there is so much pressure there." Ljubicic is full of compliments for other Croatian tennis players, especially Ivanisevic. "I got inspired by Goran Ivanisevic a lot. He is my friend. Katarina Tepesh tepeshk@aol.com

LJUBISICH (LOVELY), MARKO-Saloon-Capitalist

Marko Lovely voted in 1851 at Mobile, Alabama prior to coming to California. He was in business in San Francisco during the 1850’s and first appeared in Virginia City, Nevada at the E/S of B near Union Street in 1862 being listed in the Business Directory as Gluibisich. He operated the Silver Age Saloon at the corner of Union and C Street in Virginia City in 1863. He was a member of the Virginia City Fire Engine Company No. 1 in 1867 and was an American citizen. He was interested in various mining ventures and business interests throughout Nevada. In 1870 the Federal Census indicates he had a wife, Margaret from Pennsylvania, aged 19. Marko was related by marriage to the Medin family and following letter written by a grandson to a Medin sheds further light upon this Virginia City pioneer: August 21st, 1965, Dear Grace (Medin) It was good hearing from you, and learning all those interesting things about your family. No, I am not of the Medin “clan.” Our great-grandfather was Anthony Thornton, and our grandmothers, Sarah and Margaret Thornton, were sisters. My grandmother was born in Liverpool, England, presumably during the “Famine” in Ireland. We never could figure our how she could be sixteen at the time of her marriage. Your grandmother invited her to spend a vacation with her in Virginia City, and she was about to leave Burlington, Iowa, where they were then living, by overland stage, when her father read that the Indians had waylaid a stagecoach and there were no survivors. So Maggie went to New Orleans where she embarked on a trip around the Horn that lasted a couple of months. During the trip a handsome Englishman became very fond of her and wrote to her insistently after the trip, but she never received the letters. Your grandma discretely destroyed them, and confessed so doing years later after her sister was safely wed to the mad whom she had selected for her as the most eligible bachelor in Virginia City- Mark Lovely (originally Ljubisich), a good friend of Marco Medin and a fellow Slavonian, from Ragusa (now Dubrovnik) Dalmatia. Grandpa was then reportedly worth a fortune. He was old enough to be Maggie’s father, but they were happily married for nearly fifty ears. He told of taking his bride to Piper’s Opera and all heads turned in admiration when the petite blonde in white with a crimson-lined white cape entered escorted by her tall husband. I remember seeing “Aunt Sally” only once as a small boy. Mother says that she had a charming and rather “grand” manner. Soo-- I wonder if anyone will be relating anecdotes about us a hundred years from now! I wish I could interview my grandparents and get some points straight. But I’ll have Eternity to do that. It will be nice to pass the timelessness that way. (Marco, your uncle, and George, my uncle had the same blue blue eyes as Maggie.) Mark

Antonio Lovely was in Virginia City as a miner in 1870 and was farming in Tuolumne, California in 1890; Mitchell Lovely had a saloon at Hamilton in 1870 and was farming at Tuolumne, California in 1884. They both were American citizens. Nikola Lovely was a saloon owner in Virginia City during the 1870’s and died at the age of 76 in 1926 and was buried at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, San Francisco. Virginia City Business Directories for 1875, 1862, and 1864.

LOLICH, MARY C. Sister Catholic-Professor

Sister Lolich was born September 21, 1918 in San Francisco, California. Her field is chemistry education and is a graduate of Queen of the Holy Rosary College, Mission San Jose, California. She can speak French. She teaches at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and is the Science Department Head. She has published a supplement for parochial school teachers. She presently resides in Pasadena, California.

LONCAR, SEBASTIAN Priest-Missionary

Rev. Sebastian Loncar, Croatian American priest and a good friend of the Croatian Catholic Union, died in his native village of Preko, on the Island of Ug1jan, Croatia, Feb. 15, 2001. The funeral Mass was served by Archbishop Ivan Prendja in the Holy Rosary Church in Preko in the presence of numerous clergy and faithful. Rev. Sebastian is interred in the Parish cemetery in Preko. Father Loncar was born on June 18, 1913, in Preko, Croatia, to Luka and Gaspa nee Mihatov. He received his degree in theology at the University of Zagreb. He obtained a masters degree in philosophy at the Pontifical University Gregoriana in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood June 27, 1937, by the then Archbishop of Zagreb, now Blessed Alojzije Stepinac. As a young priest Father Loncar served as parish administrator of a church in Croatia, then immigrated to the United States in May, 1940, where he ministered in the Pittsburgh area to Croatian parishes, namely, St. Nicholas on the North Side and- St. Nicholas in Millvale. He also established and supervised the small seminary at St. Jerome House of Study in Washington, D.C. For the reasons of health he moved to a warmer climate in Florida. He served at Holv Family Parish in Miami and at St. Ambrose Parish, Deerfield Beach. In 1966 he was appointed pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Port Charlotte, where he administered for two years before being appointed pastor of St. Raphael Parish, Englewood. When retired from active ministry in 1979, Father Loncar was appointed pastor emeritus of St. Raphael Parish. From here that same year he went to Africa to become a missionary. For three years he dedicated his life to missionary apostolate in Arusha, Tanzania and East Africa. Upon his return to Florida he continued pastoral work for the diocese of Venice, Florida. During the war years 1991 to 1995 in Croatia and Bosnia and Hercegovina Rev. Loncar visited the war torn areas of his native Zadar diocese and brought humanitarian aid. On several occasions the archbishop of Zadar, Ivan Prendja visited Fr. Loncar in Florida for talks with the American Bishop, John Nevins who was well-informed of the needs of Catholic Church in Croatia, and helped abundantly. Father Loncar returned to his Croatia in 1999, where he spent his last two years on earth in the proximity of his native village, Preko.

LOPINA, ANTON Ranch

Anton Lopina was one of the most successful orchardist in the Santa Clara Valley. While still quite young he acquired extensive farm land in the valley and developed it into a very profitable enterprise. He built a fine home and raised his family on the ranch. Anton Lopina died in San Jose on November 18, 1979. Anton Lopina was the beloved husband of Clara Lopina of San Jose; loving father of Anthony J. Lopina of Saratoga, John M. Lopina of Patterson, Ca. and and Mrs. Mary Ann Skitarelic of Orinda, Ca.; dear brother of Anna Dolina and Mary Perusina, both of Chicago, Ill., Mrs. Katie Vodopia of Woodside, N.Y. and Miss Helen Sorich of Roseville, Ca.; dear father-in-law of Alice Lopina and Joseph Skitarelic; devoted grandfater of 10; a native of Majkovi, Croatia; aged 93 years, a member of the American Dalmatian Society of San Jose and the Slavonian American Benevolent Society of San Jose.

LOPIZICH, IVO Attorney

Lopizich was born in Los Angeles, the only son of Henry and Lucy Lopizich. His father settled in Los Angeles in 1891 and operated a drugstore in the old plaza section of the city. Ivo graduated from Los Angeles High School and then earned a law degree from U.S.C. in 1928. He was admitted to the bar a year later. Lopizich was also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1958. His office was located at 549 Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles. From 1942-46 Lopizich served as special assistant to the U.S. ambassador in Lima, Peru. He helped organize and was the first president of the American-Yugoslav Republican Assembly and was also a member of the Republican National Committee’s Nationalities Advisory Committee. Lopizich was a prominent figure in the Croatian Community of Southern California and many of its member sought him out for legal assistance. When in a relaxing mood, Lopizich enjoys hunting and fishing. His home is at 4006 Sutro, where he lived with his wife, Lucile, and their little girl, Eva Lu, 9.

LOPIZICH, IVO J. Doctor of Medicine

Dr. Ivo J. Lopizich, who was born in Los Angeles 72 years ago to pioneer pharmacist and banker, John Lopizich, a native of Orasac, Dalmatia, Croatia, passed away on July 22, 1966, the birthday of his late uncle, Henry Lopizich. “Dr. Ivo,” as he was known to his numerous friends, was the survivor of three brothers, namely, Vladimir M. and Mirko J. His late mother, Marianna Lopizich, nee Davarde, was also a native Angeleno. Dr. Lopizich was a surgeon on the staff of many hospitals in this area, and at the time of his demise, he was president of the Los Angeles City Board of Fire Commissioners. He is survived by his widow, Anna, a daughter, Eva Mae (Mrs. John) Skoby, 4516 Strohm, North Hollywood, and two grand children, Stafanie and Peter.

LOPIZICH, JOHN J. Druggist-Banker

John J. Lopizich, from Orsac, arrived in the early 1880’s. Shortly after his arrival he established the Viole-Lopizich Drug Company, which was dissolved in 1924. He was one of the first Croatian men to receive a druggist’s diploma and permit to operate a drug store. His brother, Rico Lopizich was the second to obtain these honors and today is a druggist in Los Angeles. In 1904, John Lopizich organized the International Savings and Loan Exchange Bank, of which he was president until 1917 when it became affiliated with the Bank of Italy. For many years he had been active in social and philanthropic work among his people and was knighted in 1924 by the King of Italy for his splendid work among the Italian people. Lopizich was one of the most loved and honored men in this community. For many years his smile, kind words and hearty hand shake will be remembered by those who were fortunate to have either known him or worked with him. There are three sons residing in Los Angeles, Dr. Ivo Lopizich, surgeon for Los Angeles County Health Department; Dr. Vladimir Lopizich, dentist, and Mirko Lopizich, drugstore operator.

LOPIZICH, NICK Ranch

Nick Lopizich, a third brother, came to Los Angeles in 1885 from Orasac and his wife Mari from Konavle. Nick Lopizich has also played a very important role in the civic life of Los Angeles and is today owner of a ranch and store in Lankershim. His sons, Tony and Ivo, are owners and operators of the Columbia and LaMar Pharmacies; the daughters Jenny, Stella, Annie and Mary are engaged in various commercial activities.

LOPIZICH, RICO Croatian Activities

Rico Lopizich arrived shortly after his brother John and was one of the charter members of the Slavonian American Benevolent Society, which was organized in 1892. Since his arrival in this community he has always been a very active social worker among our people. His wife, Luce Lopizich, is also vitally interested in Croatian activities; Ivo Lopizich, prominent attorney and the son of this couple has recently been appointed a member of the Housing Commission of the City of Los Angeles.

LORKOVIC, HRVOJE R. Professor-Biologist

Hrvoje Lorkovic is a professor at the University of Iowa, Department of Neurology-Medical School, Iowa City, Iowa; married with three children. Born November 12, 1930 in Zagreb, Croatia. Education included Classical Gymnasium, Zagreb. Graduated, 1949; University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 1949-1953; M.A., December 1953 University of Zagreb; Zagreb,1959-1961, Ph.D. July, 1961. Studies at University of Tubingen, Univsity of London, Wellcome Fellow. Major field in Biology and a specialty of Muscle Physiology. Thesis: Influence of Ionic Medium on Mechanical Responses to Potassium in Frog Muscles. Ph.D., 1961. Several papers published in American and European Physiological journals from 1959 to 1968. Member of American Physiological Society. Experience in Assistant at the Institute for Medical Reserch Academy, Zagreb, Croatia 1956-1962; Assistant at the Physiologisches Institute der Universitat, Tubingen, Germany 1962-1963; Wellcome Fellowat the National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, England 1963-1964; Research Fellow, Department of Physioly, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minneapolis 1964-1967.

LOVRICH, FRANK M. Professor-Author

Frank Lovrich is a Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology-Anthropology, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina. Born September 16, 1930 to Croatian parents in Moosup, Connecticut; married with two children. Education includes Arnold College, Milford, Connecticut; Southeastern University of Louisiana, Hammond, Louisiana, B.A., 1951; University of S. Dakota, Vermillion. M.A. , 1952; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 1952-55; South Dakota State University, Brookings, Ph.D., 1962 with a major field in Sociology and Social Theory, Rural and Urban Social Organization, The Family, Industrial Sociology, Minority Groups. Thesis completed 1952 "The Assimilation of the Sioux Indian in Rapid City, So. Dakota." Published University of So. Dakota. 1962. "The Dalmatians in the U.S." "An Intense Study of a Rural Dalmatian-American Community" University of So. Dakota. Published "The Social System of the Dalmatian in Louisiana," Faculty-Publications, 1967, Appalachian State University "Croatians in Louisiana," Journal of Croatian Studies, 1966-67. Member of American Sociology Association; Southwest Society Science Association.

LOVRICH, NICHOLAS P. Professor-Author

Nicholas was born in San Pedro in 1944. His parents, Nikola Petar Lovrich (Miko Smokovac) and Ljubica (Lubie) raised Nicholas in a Croatian-speaking home with the intention of instilling a knowledge of the language and culture of the Hrvasko Primorije from which they came. Nick played baseball in his youth, and was the captain of the San Pedro High School baseball team which played for the Los Angeles City Schools championship in 1962. Nick went on to play baseball on the Stanford University freshman team and went on to graduate cum laude in 1966. From there he proceeded to graduate studies in the area of Political Science, and received his MA in 1967 and his Ph.D. in 1971 from U.C.L.A. After graduating from Stanford he married Katherine Marie Ackerson of Salt Lake City, Utah; Nick and Katherine met at Stanford University’s campus in Florence, Italy. Nick and Katherine have one child, Nichole, who was born on June 8, 1985. Nick began his career as a college professor at Metropolitan State University (Denver) in 1971, and taught at the University of Denver (1973-74) and DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana) (1974-77) before settling in for a long career at Washington State University (1977-present). At Washington State University Nick is the Director of the Division of Governmental Studies and Services and has the honor of being the Cladius O. and Mary W. Johnson Distinguished Professor of Political Science. Nick’s Ph.D. dissertation was a comparison of the pattern of assimilation of Yugoslav and Italian immigants in San Pedro, and was published by the Ragusan Press (Palo Alto) under the title Yugoslavs and Italians in San Pedro: Political Culture and Civic Involvement (1977). Nick has authored or co-authored six books and over 100 articles in social science journals, and he has supervised the Ph.D. dissertation of 16 student who have gone on to become college professors in universities throughout the U.S

LOVRICH, NIKOLA P. Fisherman

Miko Smokovac was born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 17, 1908 and returned with his family to Crikvenica. His father (also Nikola) was a contractor in the employment of King Alexander working on a building in St. Louis when Miko was born. Miko Smokovac worked as a stone mason (zidar) for his father during his youth, traveling widely in Croatia. He returned to America as a young man in the mid-30s, taking up residence in San Pedro, and marrying Ljubica Brnjac (born in Crikvenica, residing in Vancouver, Canada) in January of 1941. He was active during the war and during the post-war years in organizing help for the Partisans and gathering relief for post-war Yugoslavia. Miko became an active member of and leader in the fishermans union (ILWU) in San Pedro. He was elected to the executive board of the union on numerous occasions, and remained a fisherman (ship’s engineer) his entire working career. He fished for sardines and mackerel in California, tuna in South America, and Salmon in Alaska during the course of his long career at sea. In the summer of 1974 Miko and Ljubica returned to Crikvenica in retirement, where he renovated the old family home in Sopaljska and where he and Ljubica lived in peaceful retirement until his death on May 3, 1997.

LUBENKO, ANNE Religious Sister

Sister Anne was bom Dec. 23, 1904 in Angels Camp, California to Chris and Anna Struich Lubenko. She entered the Sisters of Charity, BVM on September 8,1925 from St Brigid's, San Francisco, and professed first vows on Aug. 15, 1927 and final vows on August 15,1933. Sister Anne taught in San Francisco at St. Paul Elementary, 1946-50, 1953-55 and 1964-69; Most Holy Redeemer, 1951-52; St. Philip, 1952-53; and St. Brigid, 1969-70.. She also, taught in San Jose and, Sacramento, California and in Washington , Montana, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska. Former San Francisco educator Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sister Anne Lubenko (Francina), 95, died May 25 at Marian Hall, Dubuque, Iowa. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Henrietta Lubenko and nephew, Mitchell Lubenko, both of Plymouth, Calfornia, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 74 years.

LUBICH, EDO Tamb Hall of Fame-Engineer-Restaurant-Recording Artist

Edo Lubich was born in Donji Vakuf, Bosnia, on May 7, 1912, son of Nikola and Klara Lubich . As is generally the case with gifted individuals, in the music or any other field, Edo became a tamburas at the tender age of 5 when his dad acquired a bisernica (made of cardboard and plywood) and so began a musical career which was to span two continents and covering a period of 65 to 70 years. At the age of 10 Edo received his first "real" biscrnica and proceeded to master all the tambura instruments in both Farkas and Sremski systems. At the astounding age of 14 Edo organized his first tamburitza band in his home village, consisting of from 7 to 10 members. Edo was organizer-leader, instructor and made the arrangements for all the instruments. Edo attended a Jesuit's Gymnasium in Travnik, Bosnia. After this Edo went to Zagreb to study music and singing. After a year of studies in Zagreb, Edo decided to go to France to study Electrical Engineering for the period from 1929 through 1933. After France Edo returned and due to certain circumstances, began to sing professionally, rather than following an engineering career. Shortly after embaring on a singing career a very good friend of Edo's, who was from a very prominent family in Belgrade, committed suicide and had left a request for ..Edo to sing his favorite song, which was at that time one of Edo's "big hit songs," namely Kad Mi Pises Mila Mati (When You Write To Me Dear Mother) during his funeral. This last wish of Edo's friend was included in Edo's Belgrade Radio Program which coincided with his funeral, and needless to say, Edo's popularity zoomed to unprecedented heights resulting in his receiving offers to appear in almost every capital city in Europe. Included in his European tour was Paris, France; Budapest, Hungary; Rome, Italy, and Berlin, Germany. At a later date Edo appeared in Berlin on a TV show! Prior to World War 11, Edo, with his Belgrade Radio Show, was Yugoslavia's number one Premier Singing Star. He was voted Yugoslavia's third Most Popular man in 1936. Edo's singing style was unique which was an inspiration to the U.S. tamburasi. Edo's song interpretations were very different and attractive to all tamburasi and tamburitza music lovcrs across the Country, rclating to the "songs of that time. " Edo made many recordings on RCA Victor-ColumbiaDecca, Balkan International and Sonart. These rccordings enhanced Edo's reputation and image to such a degree that lie was selected to go on a four-year tour of the U.S., appearing before high school and college students. It is estimated there were 2,000,000 students involved in this fou-ycar assignment who were fortunate to have bccn entertained by this most gifted musician. His presentations were the songs of Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Slovenia and, of course, his native Bosnia! Edo appeared at concerts with such tamburitza greats as Steve Pavlekovich, Milan Verni, the Baich Tamburitzans, Blue Danube and made recordings with the well known Sar Planina (Marty Kapugi band) and also with Vinka Ellison. Edo also appeared with the famous Popovich Bros. band. Edo opened his first well-known restaurant, frequented bv many entertainment celebrities, called "La Place" (the piace) and later opened another restaurant "Edo's Other Place. " These were both very successful restaurants in the Century City, California, area. Edo sold both restaurants in 1978 and semi-retired and is living in Palm Springs, California. Edo travels to Europe every year, and in 1985 appeared in a feature movie made in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, which is currently having its premiere showing. Edo is a widower, his wife having passed away nine years ago. Edo has a daughter Nicolette and a granddaughter Victoria who is 14 years of age.

LUCICH-LUCAS, ANTHONY Discovered Oil-Engineer

Another Croatian immigrant who helped revolutionize American industry was Captain Anthony Lucas. He was born on September 9, 1855, in Split, Croatia, the son of a sea captain, Franjo Lucic from the island of Hvar. Anthony completed gymnasium studies in Trieste, where his father served in the Austrian navy, then attended the same Polytechnic Institute in Graz which his countryman Tesla later attended. After graduating from the Institute in 1875, he enlisted as midshipman in the Austrian navy, where he was soon promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. However, he disliked the rigor of the service; in 1879 after an unpleasant incident he obtained a six months' leave to accept an invitation from his uncle in America, his father's brother, then living in Saginaw, Michigan. Upon his arrival here the young man found that his uncle had adopted the name of Lucas, to escape the difficulty that Americans had in spelling and pronouncing Lucic; Anthony then adopted the same name. After an extension of his leave, he decided to remain in this country. On May 9, 1885, he became an American citizen, receiving his citizenship papers at the Corporation Court at Norfolk, Virginia.

Lucas married Caroline Fitzgerald in 1887. The young couple spent a year of their honeymoon in Dalmatia and Trieste, then established their home in Washington, D.C., where Lucas worked as a mining engineer and geologist. By 1893 he was busy in Louisiana and Texas, where he stayed for three years. His dream was to find petroleum in a region where none had yet been found. Oil was first discovered in Pennsylvania, where a commercial well was drilled at Titusville in 1859. But to prospect for oil in Texas, as Lucas did, seemed to many a crazy idea. Nevertheless, he insisted on drilling in Beaumont, Texas at a place called Spindletop, where three companies already had failed. Lacking the necessary capital he approached the Standard OU Company for financial support, only to be told by their experts that he did not have the slightest chance of finding oil at Spindletop. Despite all, such discouragements, this stubborn prospector proceeded to drill.

Then suddenly on January 10, 1901, after drilling 1,020 feet deep, Lucas and his crew struck oil. It ran wild, gushing some 200 feet and drenching the ground with an estimated 75,000 to 100,000 barrels. The well ran wild for days before Lucas could cap it. The whole country was amazed. Fifty thousand people came to see the gushing of oil at Spindletop. The Lucas well was "heard around the world.

This was a great day in the industrial era of America. Lucas, however, did not develop the Spindletop. He sold all his interests to the Mellon group for $400,000. Lucas, for his part, did not stop with this first discovery. In Mexico, where he worked for the next three years, he found two other oil fields. In 1905 he returned to Washington, where he opened an office as consulting engineer. In this capacity, too, he travelled around the world. He died at the age of sixty-six on September 2, 1921, in Washington. The inscription on his tombstone at the Rock Creek Cemetery states that he was born in Spalato, Dalmatia, and that he was of "Illyrian [Croatian] parentage." To supplement all other evidence and his own statements, his tombstone plainly records'his place of birth and his ancestry; yet surprisingly Who Was Who in America erroneously stated that Lucas was born in Trieste and that he was of Italian origin.26

On October 9, 1941, during the convention of the Texas Mid Continent Oil and Gas Association at Beaumont, Texas, a fifty foot granite monument honoring Lucas was unveiled at Spindletop. The inscription on the front reads, along with other tributes to Lucas. Petroleum has revolutionized industry and transportation; it has created untold wealth, built cities, furnished employment for hundreds of thousands, and contributed billions of dollars in taxes to support institutions of government. In a brief span of years, it has altered man's way of life throughout the world.

The memory of Captain Lucas has been honored in other ways too. The American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, in order to recognize the "distinguished achievement and practice of finding and producing petroleum," established in 1936 the "Anthony F. Lucas Medal" as an award to all outstanding persons whose achievements contribute to the development of oil. Prpic, George

LUCICH, GEORGE Restaurant-Goldminer

Born on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia, October 15, 1882, when fourteen years old he came across the ocean and located in Denver, Colorado, where an uncle lived. After going to school for a time, he started to learn the restaurant business with his uncle, in the latter’s cafe. He learned to cook and was chief cook for the establishment from 1897 to 1901, beginning with fourteen dollars a month. He next moved to the mining camps of Colorado, working as a cook, and experiencing all the thrills of a gold strike while at Cripple Creek; then to Goldfield, Nevada, during the boom there, when it was a city of tents, arriving before a house had been erected. Mr. Lucich first came to Sacramento in 1904, and then he later decided to look over the possiblities of San Francisco, arriving in time for the earthquake and fire of 1906, which occurred just fifteen days after he reached the city. Not discouraged by having passed through the trying experiences of that period, he later, in partnership with two others, opened a restaurant and liquor store on the water front, at Second and Townsend Streets. In February, 1915, Mr. Lucich sold out his interests in San Francisco, and came to Sacramento, and his first business venture in the Capital City was a small lunch room, with just twenty-three stools, located on Ninth Street, and again with two partners. Every other store on the block, wich was was between J and K Streets, was vacant at time, but the lunch room prospered and this site marks the place where now stands the Rosemont Grill, Mr. Lucich’s present establishment and one of the best appointed cafes in Sacramento, remodled at a cost of $30,000 and opened to the public in December, 1922. He has his own cold storage plant on the premises, ad five chefs are kept busy busy supplying the best the seasons afford to its many partons.  The cafe is always open, day and night; a key to the front door is always open. They also own the Annex Lunch Room at 911 K Street, and in both places employ forty-two people, with a payroll of $900 a week, thus adding materially to the prosperity of the city and makng it possible for its residents to enjoy dining in surroundings which are seldom equalled for artistic furnishings and correct service outside of the larger cities. Mr. Lucich was married in San Mateo, Cal, to Katherine Grasi, born on the Island of Brac, and a resident of the United States for about twenty-five years, and they have one daughter, Nicolena Lucich. Mr. Lucich is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

LUCICH, MARCO Restaurant

A leader among those to whom Sacramento owes much for its excellent catering is Marco Lucich, the genial and popular proprietor of the Young American Restaurant, at 1026 Fourth Street, Sacrametno. he was born on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia, on September 8, 1878, and in 1894, or at the age of sixteen, he came to America. He could not speak a word of English when he reached Denver, Colorado, and the first work he was abel to secure was the washing of dishes in a restaurant.  he then became a waiter, and finally a cook. In 1906, he came to Sacramento, remaining for a short time, and then he went to San Francisco after the big fire and earthquake.  In the autumn of the same year he opened a restaurant at the corner of Second and Townsend Streets. He sold out, and in 1908 came back to Sacramento.  On June 15 of that year he opened the Young American Restaurant, and on the 15th of June, 1923, he celebrated his fifteenth business anniversary here. While in Colorado, in 1902, M. Lucich was married to Miss Katie German, a native of Croatia, by whom he has had a family of five children, bearing his names of Vincent, Mary, Lucile, Marco, Jr., and Paul. Mr. Lucich was aways been a public-spirited and ever ready to help along movements of benefit to the community. Starting with very small capital, he not only owns his own home, but valuable real estate in Sacramento, including an apartment house on O Street; he has great faith in the future of the capital city, as is evidenced by the fact that he has invested his earnings right here.

LUCICH, NIKOLA Croatian Activities-Military

Born in Zatrazische, Island Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia in 1894. He moved in America in 1912 and lived until 1917 in Sacramento, California. As a member of the Croatian Sokol, Sacramento, he applied as a war volunteer in 1917 and served in the Timok Division at the Solun Front. After the War, he was transferred to Split where he served in American military kitchen as a translator. Together with his comrades he moved back to San Francisco, California in 1919. He was president of Croatian Benevolent Society Zvonimir-Dalmatia and former accountant of that Society; president of the Supervisory Board of Croatian Union of the Pacific; member of the Slavonic Mutual Benevolent Society and honored member of the Croatian Sokol in San Francisco.

LUCICH, ROMANA Restaurant

She and her husband operated a restaurant in Bucksport during World War II and, in 1943, moved their business to Broadway, where it was known as the Broadway Coffee Shop. Brother Lucich passed away in 1949, but Romana continued the operation with the help of her son, retiring in 1956 to enjoy her garden, her friends and many trips with her daughter. She became a U.S. citizen in 1941 and joined CFU Lodge 249 in Eureka, California in December of 1915. It is with sadness that we report the death of a longtime member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 249, sister Romana Lucich, 93, who died on Oct. 6, 1988 in Eureka, California Sister Romana was born in Podvezice, Susak, Croatia and later lived in Rijeka. Surviving are her son, Milan; daughter-in-law, Catherine; Grandchildren, Mark Lucich of Springfield, Oregon and Susan Lucich Caulk of Oakland and two great-grandchildren in Oregon.She was preceded in death, in addition to her husband, her daughter, Darinka Gutsch-Elkins of Ukiah in 1985; and her two grandsons, Gary in 1980 and Larry in 1957.

LUCIN, JOHN Fisherman-Banker-Capitalist-Mariner

Another productive Dalmatian who immigrated after World War I is Joseph M. Lucin. Lucin came to the United States in 1931. He recalled: I was born on the island of Drvenik, on the southern coast of Croatia in 1914, to a very poor family. I attended six grades in grammar school and owned but one pair of storeboughten shoes until I was eighteen years old. My father, Frank Lucin, came to Clifton, Oregon, in 1926 and was a fisherman on the Columbia River. He sent for me. in my first year here, I used to dream of someday owning a couch to sit on and a radio to listen to. In the fall of 1931, Lucin traveled to Tacoma, Washington, and became a crew member on the boat Oregonian. The captain was Pirak and the owner was Budrovich. They fished for two months for chum salmon at ten cents apiece, and endid the season at seven dollars per man in the hole. In 1936, while fishing at Alaska's peninsula as a crew member of the boat Tatoosh, captained by John Mardesich, Lucin recalled, "I was getting onethirteenth before grub and the fuel were deducted, which amounted to $26.44 per day for each man, and we were very happy. The Tatoosh, the Invincible, the Iceland, and the Frostland were all fishing for the Columbia River Packers Association, and adhered to the limit of 12,500 pink salmon per boat per day. The price was two- and-three-fourths cents per salmon." After years of fishing, working as a welder, and then as a seaman in the merchant marine during the Second World War, Lucin married and settled in Everett. He fished on purse seiners in Northwestern Alaska and Washington State for twenty years and owned three seine boats of his own. They were the Johnny-L, the Farewell, and the Siren. Lucin also served on the board of directors of the seiners association. In 1962, he helped to form a new state bank, the Bank of Everett, often called the "Fisherman's Bank". In 1966, he was elected a director. Many Croatian fishermen own shares and deposit in this bank, which now has ten branches in Snohomish County and total assets of seventy million dollars. In 1967, Lucin retired from fishing and went into the investment business. Today he is semi-retired, active on the bank board, and is chairman and counselor of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). He offers his services as a volunteer counselor for the benefit of the local small businesses.

LUCIN, KARLO Fisherman

He was born February 22, 1905 in Zadar, Croatia, and was a resident of San Pedro for 44 years. Like many of his fellow Croatians, Karlo was a commercial fisherman. He and his wife Simica had four daughters, Marija Bocarski and Mila Zuvich, of San Pedro; Antica Vicucic of Croatia and Svetka Ellis of Palm Desert, California; they had seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Karlo Lucin died on May 19, 1985.

LUJIC, ANTE Engineer

Ante Lujic is Manager of Engineering at Conrac Corporation, Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Born February 12, 1933, Bisko, Croatia; married with three children. Educated at Classical Gymnasium,Split, Croatia 1952; University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 1952-57, Dipl. of Engineers, 1957 with a major field of Electrical Engineering and a specialty in Control Systems.

LUJIC, PETAR Physician

Petar lujic is a physician at Hospital of St. Rapheal's, New Haven, Connecticut. Born September 5, 1934 in Bisko, Croatia; married and a citizen of America. Education includes Classical Gymnasium, Split, 1952; University of Zagreb Medical School, Zagreb, Croatia 1952-60. M.D., 1960 with a specialty in Anaesthesiology.

LUKETICH, BERNARD President CFU-Radio-Mayor-Coal Miner

Bernard M. Luketich first became active in the Croatian Fraternal Union (CFU) in his late teens, when he was elected president of St. George CFU Lodge 354 in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania. That once-small lodge now includes more than 1,800 members and ranks among the largest in the Croatian Fraternal Union. Son to Ivan and Emma Grossek Luketic., Bernard is one of five children in the Luketich family. His father, Ivan, was born in the village of Zagorje, Ogulin, Croatia. He came to the United States in 1904 and settled in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania, to work as a coal miner. Respected as a coal miner's child and then as a coal miner himself in his youth, Bernard became interested in CFU activities at a young age and was elected president of his local CFU lodge at the age of sixteen. After serving in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean War, Bernard returned home to become deputy controller of Washington County, a position he held until joining the CFU National Administration. In 1951, Bernard Luketich attended his first CFU National Convention as the youngest delegate. In 1959, he joined the CFU National Administration as part of the National Board of Trustees. He was elected to the Executive Board in 1964; he succeeded the late Martin Krasich as national treasurer. In 1977, he became national first vice president, succeeding Milan Vranes, who had retired. In 1978, he was sworn is as National President of the Croatian Fraternal Union. He succeeded the late National President John Badovinac. Bernard Luketich has been re-elected president six times at the 1979, '83, '87, '91, '95 and '99 conventions. Bernard still remains active in his lodge in Cokeburg, where he continues to serve as president, and in the United CFU Four County Lodges. He organized the St. George Junior Tamburitzans, of CFU Lodge 354 and serves as the ensemble's manager. He is also an active tamburitzan in the St. George Junior Tamburitzans, of the Lodge. His popular radio program, "Voice ofthe CFU-Four Counties," broadcast in the Croatian language, has been heard over the western Pennsylvania airwaves every Sunday afternoon for the past 45 years. President Luketich launched the CFU Junior Cultural Federation and the CFU Adult Tamburitza Federation, both which are flourishing. They serve to promote Croatian tamburitza music throughout the United States and Canada. Bernard also initiated the CFU Ski Holiday, which has been held annually for the past 29 years at various ski resorts. He continues to serve on the boards for the CFU Scholarship Foundation and the Croatian American Professional and Business Association of Pittsburgh. One of President Luketich's greatest accomplishments as national president has been the humanitarian relief campaign within the Croatian Fraternal Union. Since 1991, the campaign has led to the collection of nearly $1 million for humanitarian aid. The campaign has also been responsible for the disbursement of an estimated $23 million in goods and services to aid the people of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. This remarkable humanitarian project is the largest charitable activity ever conducted in the 105-year history of the Croatian Fraternal Union. In addition to this work, Luketich has traveled many times to Croatia to foster relations between Croatians, living in the Republic and those living abroad. He works to bridge the distance and keep alive Croatian heritage and culture in the United States. Throughout his leadership, the CFU has been supportive of the people of Croatia even when they lived under the former regime and endured less than favorable conditions.

Luketich was also instrumental in the organization of the National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA). This happened at a time when a strong need existed to unify Croatians, living in the United States. He was in the forefront of the organizational activities of the NFCA, which promoted lobbying efforts to the Clinton ration and the U. S. Congress on behalf of the people in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Luketich was a great supporter of Governor Clinton for the presidential candidacy, as the governor expressed a strong commitment to help the people of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. During 1992 presidential campaign, Luketich was in close contact with the ethnic campaign coordinators who sought insight into Croatia's struggle for independence. For his activity and support in the Clinton/Gore campaign, Luketich was invited to participate in a dinner in Little Rock, Arkansas on the eve of newly elected President Clinton's departure for Washington, DC. At that event Luketich had the opportunity to personally convey to President Clinton his concern for the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina and received the President's assurances of continued support for Croatia. Luketich has since been invited to the White House on numerous occasions to participate in conferences and round-table discussions on Croatia and BosniaHerzegovina. Bernard Luketich has received several honors from Croatia; they include the "Redom Hrvatskog Pletera" and the "Redom Danice Hrvatske S Likom Katarine Zrinske, " which were bestowed upon him by Croatian President Dr. Franjo Tudjman. Luketich has also been honored as "Man of the Year" by the United CFU Four County Lodges; the CFU Scholarship Foundation, Inc.; the Fraternal Societies of Greater Pittsburgh; and several other fraternal organizations. He resides in Cokeburg with his wife, Martha Cindric, of Uniontown Pennsylvania. Bernard and Martha have two daughters, Marlene Luketich-Kochis and Bernadette Luketich-Sikaras, as well as three grandsons. Bernard Luketich has served for the past 25 years as the mayor of the Borough of Cokeburg, where he has been a lifelong resident. By LORRAINE MATKO TURKALJ.

LUKETIC. GORAZD C. Doctor-Medicine

Gorazd Luketic is a Professor in Medicine at the Medical Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama. Born July 8, 1923 in Zagreb, Croatia; married with three children. Educated at lst Classical Gymnasium, Zagreb, Croatia, Diploma 1941; Medical Faculty, University of Zagreb, M.D., 1946 with a major field in Medicine and Gastroenterology. British Council Scholar, 1953-54, Central Middlesex Hospital, London, England; Fellow University of Alabama Medical Center, 1961-62, Birmingham, Alabama. Member of American Association University Professors; American Federation Clinical Res.; Amererican Adv. Science; American Association Medical Colleges; Society Sigma Xi.

LUKETIC, ROBERT Film Director

A new film, Legally Blonde, has been announced by Metro-Goldyn-Mayer in Hollywood and is to be directed by Robert Luketic. Robert made another film, a short film that won the Aspen Film Festival in 1998. He is from Australia. 2001

LUKRICH, JOHN Farm

Today, 400 acres in the Pajaro Valley, Watsonville carry the Lukrich apple ranch name. Lukrich arrived in 1910 from the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia and worked in the orchards for two years until he had enough money to buy a horse and plow and to rent a small apple orchard. In 1928, he and other Croatian apple growers banded together to start the Apple Growers Ice and Cold Storage, a cooperative that is in its 60th year. John, his son, never learned the language of his father, who strove to be American, not Croatian. But he says he did learn one, strong Brac characteristic-thriftiness. "Most of the Croatian people were thrifty. My father taught me how to work, about the trees," said Lukrich, who married a Croatian-American, the former Antoinette Balich. They belong to one of the newest Croatian clubs, the Slav-American Cultural Organization.

LUKSICH, JOHN Chemist-Football-Croatian Activist

John Luksich was an outstanding athlete at the University of New Mexico. He was named to the All Border Conference First Team in 1940 and 1941. In 1998, he was inducted into the University of New Mexico's Hall of Honor. In addition to being a great athlete, Luke was also an honor student. In 1941 and 1942, he was selected to appear in the edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, an honor given only to those who have the outstanding qualifications of character, scholarship, leadership and the promise-of usefulness to business and society in later life. He lived up to this promise, culminating 43 years of service with Crucible Steel in Midland, Pennsylvania as a chemical analyst. One of his many accomplishments was refining the performance of the ball bearing, a major industrial achievement. He was also honored by the Alumni Lettermen, with Bub Henry's effort, dedicating the Foyer at Hodgin Hall in Honor of John G. "Luke" Luksich. Brother Luksich was a loyal church member, never missing Mass. It came naturally to him to show goodness and loving kindness to all of his fellowmen. From those closest to him, a finer memorial tribute could not have been given, as they expressed their thoughts about brother Luksich when they wrote, “He will be missed by all of us who became better people for having known him. He truly was a unique human being." There is no doubt brother John G. Luksich was a terrific athlete and competitor, as well as a good friend and upstanding individual. His generosity to his alma mater, the University of New Mexico, and to the Croatian Fraternal Union, is testimony to the type of man he was. He did not forget his roots, his upbringing or the value of his education and sports career. We are honored to announce this newest Croatian Fraternal Union scholarship endowment fund established in the name of John G. Luksich and are proud to recognize his lifetime of fraternal loyalty and gracious acknowledgement of his Croatian heritage. Throughout his football career and throughout his life, brother Luksich was always proud of his Croatian ancestry. He was well pleased when he was named to the Croatian-American football team in the Zajednicar during his collegiate football career and also appreciated the efforts of his fellow Croatian athletes. The true legacy of John G. Luksich goes far beyond his remarkable financial considerations to the Croatian Fraternal Union and the University of New Mexico. It is apparent his legacy is more clearly defined by the lasting friendships he made along life's way which earned him the admiration of his family, close associates, acquaintances and fellow CFU fraternalists. Perhaps he will be best remembered for his glorious football seasons in the sun years ago, but brother John G. Luksich really was a man for all seasons, with a generosity of heart and spirit that will not be forgotten.

LULICH, JOHN Oyster Dealer-Orange Grove-Winery

John Lulich, 210 Soloman Street, New Orleans, for many years engaged in the oyster business, first at Olga, Louisiana, where he grew his own oysters, shipping on his own boats across Lake Pontchartrain to the New Orleans markets, and later becoming one of the most extensive operators in Plaquemine and St. Bernard Parishes. In 1926 Mr. Lulich purchased a tract of raw, undeveloped land in Plaquemines Parish, cleared it and planted the land in orange and grapefruit trees. He has a number of the five principal varieties of orange trees and some grape fruit, and produces annually around fifteen thousand. bushels of oranges. On the sixth of January, 1934, Mr. Lulich started a small winery which has grown to be the largest orange wine establishment in Plaquemines Parish, producing as high as eighteen thousand gallons in a single season. The wine is allowed to age in large vats or tanks with only about four thousand gallons being offered for sale each year. John Lulich was born in Croatia on the eighth of September, 1889, a son of Michell Lulich, a former fisherman, merchant and winery man, and Madeline (Urlich) Lulich. Both parents are now deceased. The family came to the United States when Mr. Lulich was thirteen years old and in 1903 he removed to Olga, Louisiana, where he fished for oysters until 1921 and then started his own business on a large scale. Oysters from beds controlled by Mr. Lulich have found their way in a steady stream to the New Orleans markets for nearly two decades. On the twenty-first of June, 1921, Mr. Lulich was married at the Church of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans to Miss Pauline Katie Saltalamachia, member of a pioneer New Orleans family and the daughter of Felix Saltalamachia, a former oyster and grocery merchant and now superintendent of bladding machines for the City of New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. Lulich are the parents of two children, Madeline Rose Lulich, born the twenty third of February, 1924, an honor graduate of Mt. Carmel High School, and John Lulich, Jr., born the twenty-sixth of April, 1927, a student in the Jesuit High School. Mr. Lulich is a member of the Slavonian Benefit Society and the Catholic Church.

LUPIS-VUK