Bozidar Dragicevich Obituary

Dragicevich, Very Rev. Archpriest Father Bozidar born September 16, 1922, in Turic (Krajina) Yugoslavia, reposed July 18, 2002, in Munster, IN, beloved husband of the late +Zorka (nee Radinovic-Lukic), father of Simeona (Andrew) Nygren, Jovan (Anna Marie, nee Batinich), Nancy (Rade) Colakovic, Robert (Anka, nee Radicevic), Michael (Pamela, nee Moretto) and George (Dawn, nee Buikema), grandfather of 20 grandchildren and four great- grandchildren, also survived by sister, Mara (late +Jovo) Ivekich, nephews, nieces, great- nephews, great-niece, cousins and Kumovi; and preceded in repose by his brother, +George (Dragica, nee Kalanj) Dragicevich. Father Bozidar served the Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church for the past 57 years; ordained a Deacon in 1945 by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic and in the presence of His Holiness Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Gavrilo Dozic; he continued his theological studies in Eboly, Italy and was ordained a Presbyter in 1948 by Archbishop Sava. Additionally, Father Bozidar received both his Bachelor and Master of Arts Degrees from the University of Minnesota (1971/1973). He served as Chaplain of the CMWS troops in the British army in Germany (1948-1950), parish priest in Cincinnati, OH (1952-1959), parish priest in Duluth, MN (1959-1978), and parish priest in South Chicago - Lansing, IL (1978- 1990). Although retiring from full time responsibilities as a parish priest, Father Bozidar remained active in his service to the Church by his devotion to all church services whether as co-celebrant, cantor or reliable choir member. Father Bozidar left immeasurable impressions in the souls of all to whom he ministered, in the same way he left visible marks of his intellectual works - writing and publishing many articles, essays, commentaries, especially those historic in nature, in various church and national organs, journals and books printed in America and Canada. During the second World War he joined the Serbian Chetniks (Freedom Fighters) of Dinara under the leadership of Vojvoda Momcilo Djujic, who fought under the flag of General Draza Mihailovic against communism, fascism and nazism, all of which had infiltrated the former Yugoslavia. Father Bozidar will lie in state (for visitation) in the St. Archangel Michael Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church (1500 E. 186th St., Lansing, IL.), from Sunday morning until Monday and throughout all of the following services: Sunday morning July 21, Divine Liturgy - 10 a.m.; Sunday evening, July 21, Pomen service - 7:30 p.m.; Monday morning, July 22, Opelo service - 9 a.m. Interment service to follow at St. Sava Monastery Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to St. Archangel Michael Church - Mortgage Reduction Fund. For further information and directions to the church please contact Kompare Funeral Home, 773-768-8800. Visit Guest Book at www.suntimes.com

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Jul. 20 to Jul. 21, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Bozidar Dragicevich

3 Entries

Janice Jaksich

August 10, 2002

When Melanie distributed the Sloboda telephone tree, I felt honored that she gave me Father Bozo's name to call. I will never forget our conversations. He was a warm and humble person, always patient and listening to whatever you had to say. He will truly be missed in church, at rehearsals, on stage and in our bass section. Vjecnaja Pamjat

martha ostoich teshich

August 4, 2002

The loss of Fr. Bozo is a blow to our church. His leadership, kindness, and humility are traits that made him stand tall amonst the ranks of the clergy. He will be remembered as a man always willing to listen, to offer advice if needed, and a friend to his entire church community. I will miss him for his wonderful insights into life and his love of his church and people.

Fr. Bozo will also be remembered as a consumate choir priest. He knew the value and role that the church choirs, especially his beloved "Sloboda" played inthe life of the South Chicago/Lansing community and the joy he experienced when singing or traveling with the choir will always be one of my fondest memories. Thank you Fr. Bozo for the positive influence that you have had on my life. It was an honor to be your parishoner and friend.

Ljubi and Bato Hayden

July 20, 2002

Our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and parishoners of our dragi, Fr. Bozo. Fr. Bozo was a giant of a man ; a priest who took time and concern for all of his parishoners-young and old alike. He touched our hearts and is respected

not only by his parishoners , but by his fellow clergy and all who knew him.

On a personal note, Bato and I feel extremely privileged to have known Proto, especially for his input and support during the building years of the Social Center in the '80s. During that time, we had the honor of joining him, his beloved +Protonica and family in celebrating his Slava. Proto Bozo was a true Domacin who truly enjoyed hosting Sloboda Choir on their Christmas carolling stop to his home. We enjoyed our heart-heart chats and discussions on numerous occassions.A highly educated man, Proto was a wealth of information which he eagerly shared with any inqusitive mind. Our fond memories are of a dear priest, faithful choir member and supporter, ardent building supporter,summer church camp priest, proud Chetnik and a man amongst men. He was a gem whose presence will be sorely missed; his influence will remain with all forever. Vjecnaja mu pamjat!

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