It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and dido Jurica George Jovanovic. George passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto after a lengthy illness, at the age of 78.
Born in the village of Donje Pazariste, Lika, Croatia, nestled in the Velebit Alps, he was the adored youngest child of eight. In 1969 George decided to leave Croatia with his young family in tow to seek better opportunities in Canada; eventually settling and building a beautiful, memorable, and full life in Toronto’s High Park neighbourhood, where he remained until his passing.
As a young skilled carpenter, George immediately found work in the construction industry where he built, renovated, and restored homes across Toronto and the GTA. He travelled back to his much-loved Lika many times over the decades.
His family was the world to him and he was an amazing, supportive, and loving husband, father, dido, kum, stric, ujo, tetak, bratic, and friend. He is remembered for his willingness to always lend a helping hand, often assisting newcomers to settle in Canada. George’s home was a place where Croatian music echoed and the scent of lamb roasting on a spit could often be found as he enjoyed cooking for neighbours, friends, and family. It was a home where the door was always open and food and drink overflowed with love.
He leaves behind his first love and beloved wife Dragica of 56 years. Proud father of Zeljko (Zello) and Fanika (Seka), and father-in-law to Stephanie. Larger than life, magical Dido to Juliana, Matthew, Andrea, and Sophia; his grandchildren were everything to him and he to them. George will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his loved ones both here and overseas in Croatia, Australia, and Germany.
Family and friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., at Windermere, east of the Jane Subway, on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Funeral Mass to be held at Croatian Martyrs Parish (4605 Mississauga Road, Mississauga) at 10 am on Friday, September 8, 2023. Interment Assumption Catholic Cemetery.