George Jovanovich

George "Who" Jovanovich, Jr., of Elmhurst passed away Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 84 years old. He was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois and resided with his family in Elmhurst, Illinois since 1964. He was a Serbian Orthodox Christian having belonged to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church-Joliet, St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church-South Chicago, and Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral-Chicago. He was a retired draftsman by trade and an avid singer/musician/tambura player, singing tenor and playing the prima, bugarija, brač, čelo, accordion, guitar, trombone, piano, and ukilali. He was a supporting member of Serbian Singing Society Branko Radichevich and former singer/tenor of Serbian Singing Society Mita Topalovich, Serbian Singing Society Sloboda, and Serbian Singing Society Branko Radichevich. He was a Life Member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite N.M.J., USA, 33A�A�, Valley of Chicago; a Perpetual and Lifetime Member of Elmhurst Lodge No. 941 in Elmhurst, Sunrise Lodge No. 996 in Westchester, Pleiades Lodge No. 478 in Westchester, Glen Ellyn Lodge No. 950 in Wheaton, Hinsdale Lodge No. 934 in Hinsdale, and Men in Brotherhood Lodge No. 1178 in Franklin Park; a Member of the Lodge Council Chapter Consistory Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Chicago; a Past Master of Elmhurst Lodge No. 941 in Elmhurst and Past Master of Pleiades Lodge No. 478 in Westchester; a Past President and Member of DuPage Shrine Club; a Past Raban of the Clan and member of Shriner's Hillbilly Clan 57; a member of Order of Eastern Star Chapter 699 . He served on the Board of Directors of the Masonic Children's Home in LaGrange, was a Past District Deputy, a Past Assistant Shrine Club Director, the Medinah Temple Roundy Jewel Leader, and a Children's Sponsor for the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital.



George was married to his loving wife, Joan Jovanovich (nee Zuzuly aka Cuculjević) for 57 years at the time of her death in January 2013; devoted father to Amy Jovanovich and Holly (Zoran) Goljić; cherished Deda/Grandfather to Zora and Zvezdana Goljić; brother to Richard (the late Julia) Jovanovich and Radovan (Darlene) Jovanovich, brother-in-law to Doris (Robert) Rouleau; uncle to many nieces and nephews, and thankful for dear Kumovi and friends.



He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Jovanovich; parents, George Sr. and Mary Jovanovich; father-/mother-in-law Walter S. and Zora (nee Stovich) Zuzuly (aka Cuculjević); brothers/sister-in-laws and sister/brother-in-law Daniel Sr. and Eva Jovanovich; Alexander Jovanovich, Orville and Danica Belfield; and Julia Jovanovich.



George devoted himself to his family and the Masonic/Shrine charities work. Despite his health problems, he remained active until the last few years and enjoyed and loved his favorite thing, his grandchildren…watching them growing and playing with them. He also greatly enjoyed attending family and Serbian events. He was an extremely social person and was a friend to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.



In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in George's name may be directed to Holly Goljić to be used according to the family's wishes.



A celebration of George's life will begin on Monday, November 4, 2013 at 9:15 a.m. with prayers at the funeral home chapel then moving in procession to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church (300 Stryker Avenue, Joliet, Illinois 60436) for a funeral service to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Joliet. Visitation will be on Sunday, November 3, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Masonic services to take place at 6:00 p.m. and a Pomen service to take place at 7:00 p.m. at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life (1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, Illinois 60435, 815-722-0524).