The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the friends and family of Milorad “Mike” Gazibara. Memory eternal.
Milorad “Mike” Gazibara
Milorad “Mike” Gazibara, age 70, passed away on April 22, 2025. Mike was born in Donji Skrad, Karlovac, Kordun to parents, Stevan and Mara Gazibara. At an early age, he came to Pancevo, Serbia with his parents and finished auto-mechanic school there and worked at the Utva Company in Pancevo.
At age 18, he lost his father, which took a toll on him as he felt responsible for his mother and younger brother of 7 years, Zeljko. Milorad, at age 22, met the love of his life, Ljiljana. They had been dating for 2 years when his mother invited him to join her in the United States in 1979.
He arrived in the USA for a visit, but later decided to stay. One year later, he brought his then girlfriend, Ljiljana, to join him. They were married on December 6, 1980, and have been together and married 45 years. Milorad and Ljiljana were blessed with three loving children and 6 amazing grandchildren. His greatest pride and joy were his children and grandchildren.
Milorad loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally. Each of them have been the brightest lights of his life. He was extremely proud of all their achievements such as all three of them graduating college, earning their degrees, and working very hard to do so. He was equally as proud watching his children excel at each of their careers.
He was a humble man yet very proud watching his children build their beautiful and successful lives. He was known for always saying, “I came to the USA for my kids to succeed in life”, and they did. Mike loved everything in life from working on cars, fixing everything (he was a very handy man), cooking, gardening, and playing chess.
In 2014, he had a very bad accident at his place of employment, which led to the amputation of part of his left arm. That didn’t stop him though, as he would continue all the things he did before. He even built the deck by himself with the right hand and the left hand with a hook on it while doing so. His character was very strong and he was an extremely hard working man.
He was always on the go to do something. He was inspiring to others who knew him as he didn’t let the hard hurdles in life slow him down. He was a cherished member of his family and community, known for his kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Milorad is preceded in death by his parents, Stevan and Mara Gazibara, and his brother, Zeljko.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Ljiljana Gazibara; his three beloved children, Danijela (Jeremy) Kimball, Tanja (Tony) Trainor, and Steven (Donnie) Gazibara; 6 adored grandchildren, Petra, Delphine, Bo, Annabel, Josie and Luka. Also surviving Mike are many other family members in Pancevo, Serbia.
Visitation for Milorad will take place Monday, April 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville with Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. V. Rev Marko Matic Officiating. Internment Holy Cross St. Sava Cemetery. For further information please call Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840. May Milorad now soar with God’s angels. Vecnaja Pamjat.
