Anthony Vukov


Anthony J. Vukov, age 82, died unexpectedly on August 22, 2010, in Kirkland, WA, after four weeks of diagnosis and treatment at Evergreen Hospital where he received outstanding care by the doctors and nurses there.  He was born September 23, 1927 – in Zlarin, Croatia (the former Yugoslavia).  Parents Maria Alfier Vukov and father Nikola Vukov predeceased him as did his wife of 20 years, Sandra Vukov,

Anthony and his sister Sonja Rossman taken at their 50th College Reunion at Seattle University in 2009

Surviving are his sister Sonja Rossman and brother-in-law Thomas Rossman, Bellevue, WA; nephew and Godson Mark Rossman, Las Vegas, NV; niece Lisa Rossman, Seattle, WA; nephew Nicholas Rossman, Kirkland, WA; daughter Noelle Kawaguchi and two grand-children, cousins here in the U. S.; in Croatia, Vukov family patriarch Cousin Ivica Vukov, wife Heda, their children Srecka Vukov Buljan and Kresho Vukov and families, and other cousins.

Anthony Vukov and sister Sonja Rossman. Taken at Croatia Fest, Seattle Center, October 2009. In front of display featuring the immigrant story of mother Maria Alfier Vukov, father Nikola Vukov and Anthony Vukov

Anthony attended school in Zlarin until the age of 9 when he and his mother joined his  father in the U. S. who had immigrated there earlier.  He completed grammar school at Holy Rosary Grade School in West Seattle and then graduated from West Seattle High School in 1945.

He received an Education degree from Seattle University in 1959; and he completed graduate work in history at both Seattle U. and the University of Washington. Anthony was a veteran of the U. S. Army having served in Germany during the Korean War in the 1950s.

He retired from the Edmonds School District after 30 years of teaching.  He was a beloved high school history teacher at both Edmonds and Woodway high schools.  A recent letter from an appreciative former student was found prominently displayed at his home.  He greatly enjoyed bringing alive world and European history to his students and they often communicated their appreciation to him through the years for the solid educational foundation he imparted to them.

Family gathers at display of Croatian Immigrant Women featuring Anthony's mother, Maria Alfier Vukov. Taken at Croatia Fest, October 2009

His proudest lifetime achievement was as co-founder and president of the Croatian American Foundation which worked for the independence of the Republic of Croatia.  His work with the CAF gave Anthony great satisfaction.  He traveled yearly to Croatia and cherished visiting his extended Vukov family both in Zagreb and on the island of Zlarin.

He was a member of the Edmonds Teachers Assn, the NEA, and the CFU.  Anthony was an avid contract bridge player playing up until his hospitalization and was a long-time member of the American Contract Bridge League.  He also enjoyed playing poker with a group of “old pals.”

Other memberships included the Edmonds Teachers Assn, the NEA, and the CFU.  He was a benefactor of the Pacific NW Ballet, and had a life-long love of the Arts.

He also enjoyed playing golf and loved watching golf matches and major league baseball – especially the Seattle Mariners.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 2, 2010, at 10:30 AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9622 20th Ave. SW, Seattle 98106.  Sea committal will take place later in Croatia.  Memorial donations may be made to the village church on Zlarin, Mary’s Assumption Church (Crkva Marijinog Uznešenja), c/o Rossmans, 13605 SE 1st St., Bellevue, WA 98005.

10 Responses to “Anthony Vukov”

  • Alma Franulovich Plancich says:

    Please accept our condelences at the death of your beloved family member.
    I got to know him very well while forming and working with the Croatian American Foundation.
    He will be missed by many.
    Warm regards,
    alma plancich

  • Dorothy Kaloper says:

    Ante,

    Neka ti budne “SRETAN PUT”, I Nama” SRETAN OSTANAK.”

    Dorothy Jurgich, Kaloper
    Darinka Djurdjic

  • Dorothy Kaloper says:

    Her reply is in the Serbo-Croatian language: She says may you have a safe passage and for all of us a safe and happy abode or homecoming.
    From
    Dorothy Jurgich Kaloper and Darinka Djurdjic

  • Mary Murphy says:

    My deepest sympathy, Sonja. I know you will miss Tony. I am grateful to have seen you at the Opera recently. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Lovingly, mary Murphy

  • Mary Murphy says:

    My thoughts and prayers to you, Sonja and your family. Lovingly, Mary Murphy

  • Hunter Haselton says:

    Sonja:

    My sincere condolences to you for your loss. The passing of family and friends is difficult because life as we knew it is forever changed. Although we have not had an opportunity to visit in many a decade, old friends are really never forgotten or out of mind. Please know your family is in my prayers.

    Hunter Haselton

  • Sharon Woods says:

    Sonja. I am sorry for your loss. It was nice that you were able to be with him . Take care . My thoughts are with you. Sharon

  • Janie Jurcan Murray says:

    Sonja, So sorry to get your email about your brother. It makes you think that their are not to many left in Seattle born in Zlarin. My thoughts are with you and your family. Janie

  • Debbie McCallum says:

    Sonja….after contacting Mr. Vukov by email and later on the phone I left for a vacation to Europe, promising myself upon my return that I would take him out to lunch, which I had intended to do next week. I was shocked, therefore, to learn that he had passed but thank fate that I contacted him prior to his death. He was the kind of instructor our schools should all hope to have on their staff: brillaint, encouraging, challenging and inspirational. I am glad that his ashes will be spread in the country he still loved. I know that you were close and know how much he appreciated you and your family. Thank you for assisting me in contacting him afetr all those long years.

    Debbie

  • Karen Rossman, OP says:

    Sonja
    I am praying for you, for Tony, and for the whole family. I am so sorry to miss the Mass as I am in Michigan at present. Know that I am remembering Tony and I am with you in spirit.
    Karen

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