Radovan Jovanovich

We are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Radovan “Roddie” Jovanovich on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family on Serbian Orthodox Christmas.

Roddie is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 65 years, Darlene (Vuicich) Jovanovich. Together, they shared a lifetime of love and raised their three daughters: Alexandra (Samuel) Starcevich, Rebecca (+Daniel) Prieboy, and Christina (Craig) Vercelote. Through them, he gained three sons he cherished as his own, who affectionately called him “Chief”. He was a proud grandfather to Natalya (Adam) Lesnicki, Simo (Rebecca) Starcevich, Nina (Justin) Brkich, Eliya (Abriya) Prieboy, Theodore (Kenna) Prieboy, Matthew Prieboy, Niko Vercelote, and Maria Vercelote, and great-grandfather to Maya Lesnicki, Luka Lesnicki, and Samuel “Auggie” Starcevich. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Robert (Martha) Vuicich and was a treasured “Uncle Roddie” to his nieces and nephews, and “Kum Roddie” to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, +George and +Mary (Padley) Jovanovich; his siblings, +Daniel (+Eva) Jovanovich, +Alexander Jovanovich, +Danica (+Orville) Belfield, +Richard (+Julie) Jovanovich, +George (+Joan) Jovanovich; and son-in-law, +Daniel Prieboy.

Born in Joliet, IL on July 22, 1935, Roddie was raised in a close-knit family grounded in strong Serbian and Russian Orthodox faith and traditions. He graduated from Joliet Central High School in 1953 and throughout his youth and early married life, worked alongside his parents at The Serbian Food Store they owned and operated for over 55 years, an establishment they maintained with pride and dedication. He later worked for Trans World Airlines, Ceco Steel, and the State of Illinois IDOT Division, retiring in 2002. After retirement, he was proudly associated with and worked with Tezak’s Funeral Home. He was a member of several organizations including; the Masonic Scottish Rite Lodge No. 42 (inducted 1959), the Medinah Shriners Temple, and the American Legion Harwood Post.

Roddie proudly served in the United States Navy for eight years of active and inactive duty. During the Korean conflict, he was stationed in Puerto Rico and later toured Europe as a member of Admiral Dan’s Pandemonia steel drum band, including an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show and the Brussels World's Fair. Music remained a constant presence throughout his life. He played trombone in the Joliet Central Band, participating in President Eisenhower’s inaugural parade, and later performing with the Joliet American Legion Band, remaining a steadfast supporter of both organizations.

As a lifelong parishioner of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Roddie’s faith was the foundation upon which he built his family. He actively supported the Church throughout many stages of its growth, including the relocation of the parish. He cherished his lifelong membership with the SSS Mita Topalovich Choir and through his dedication, inspired his family to remain active in the Church and taught the importance of using one’s talents in service of faith.

He was a man of simple pleasures; enjoying a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, a cigar or tobacco pipe, and supporting his teams as a diehard Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan. Between his three children and eight grandchildren, Roddie never missed an opportunity to carpool and attend sporting events and concerts, often wearing his beloved Joliet Central band jacket to his old stomping grounds. Roddie adored his family, both near and extended. He was especially known for his love of holidays, welcoming friends and neighbors, including those outside the Serbian Orthodox faith, into his home to share in their traditions. Music was always at the heart of these gatherings, from traditional Tambura music to directing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” each Christmas, and most memorably through his heartfelt renditions of Rat Pack classics, especially Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”.

On behalf of the family, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dear Kumovi and friends who walked alongside Roddie throughout his life and especially during these past several years. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him, and we will carry forward the lessons, traditions, faith, and steady presence he so lovingly passed down.

“And to think I did all that. And may I say, not in a shy way. I faced it all, and I stood tall. I did it my way.” — My Way, Frank Sinatra

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet with Pomen service at 7:30 p.m. On Monday, January 12, 2026, Radovan will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Joliet, IL, with funeral services to begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Joliet, IL.

Memorial donations in Radovan’s name can be made to the St George Serbian Orthodox Church (Joliet, IL) or St. Sava Monastery Restoration (Libertyville, IL).