Vanja M. Mikelic, Sr., a resident of the Village of Fishkill since 1983, formerly of Poughkeepsie, Portchester and Byram, CT, died at home on Saturday, October 29, 2011 with his loving wife at his side. He was 78.
Born in Split, Yugoslavia on July 23, 1933, he was the son of the late Maté and Ida Dunatov Mikelic. Throughout his childhood, Vanja lived with his family in war-torn Yugoslavia and served in the country's military. In the 1950s, while the country was under the control of Communism and Josip Tito, Vanja made two attempts to flee Yugoslavia. During the first attempt he was captured and arrested; during the second attempt, however, he and his brother Igor found refuge in Naples, Italy and remained in camp there for over a year. In 1958, they traveled by ship to the United States, where Vanja and his brother lived with an uncle in Byram, CT.
For many years, Vanja owned V.M. Trucking Company until his retirement ten years ago. On December 27, 1988 he married Phyllis Whitman at St. Mary's Chapel in Fishkill. Phyllis survives at home.
Vanja is also survived by his sons, Thor Mikelic & his wife Sandi of Beacon, Wolfe Mikelic of Fishkill, Vanja Mikelic, Jr. & his wife Danielle of Poughkeepsie, Daniel Dunlop & his wife Alice of New Hartford, CT, and Michael Dunlop of Troy; his grandchildren, Peyton & Jordyn Mikelic, Christopher & Heather Dunlop, Rebecca & Scott Martin, and Matthew Dunlop; his great-granddaughter, Natalie Rose; his brother, Igor Mikelic & his wife Terry of Connecticut; also many nieces, nephews, and other loving family members & friends.
He was predeceased by his brother, Melko Mikelic.
Funeral services are private.
In memory of Vanja, the family requests that memorial donations are made to Hospice Foundation, Inc., 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or the Dutchess County SPCA, 796 Violet Ave., Hyde Park, NY 12538.