Obituary of Zvonimir B. Dzeba

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 As we mourn the loss of our beloved husband, father, uncle, brother, and friend, we celebrate the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Zvonimir (Zvonko) Dzeba, who entered the kingdom of heaven on March 28, 2010. Zvonko was born in Sarajevo, the eldest child of Croatian parents Marija and Bla Dzeba, and educated there at St. Vinko Catholic School. He received a degree in architecture at the University of Zagreb, Croatia, where he spent most of his youth. He worked as an architectural engineer for Industrogradnja in Zagreb, before moving to work in Toronto, Canada. He served as the staff architect for the Goodyear Corporation in Akron for 25 years before retiring. Known as "Bill," to American colleagues and friends, Zvonko loved his job and the opportunities for global travel it afforded him. By his family and friends, Zvonko is remembered for his gentle heart, quiet demeanor, and brilliant mind. Those who knew him knew his profound devotion to his faith, family, and community was unsurpassed: he was known to offer his help and guidance to whomever required it. A devout Catholic, throughout his life he was highly involved in the Church ministry, from choir member and altar boy during his youth in Sarajevo to chapter president of the Holy Name Society in Ohio, to choir director and member at Christ the King Croatian Catholic Church in North Akron. As a young man, he was especially proud to have been chosen to personally welcome Pope Pius XII to the Cathedral in Zagreb. Zvonko was a parishioner of both Christ the King and St. Francis de Sales in Coventry. Zvonko was rightly called the leader of the Croatian community in Akron, as he organized countless Croatian masses, excursions, and celebrations in the community. He taught Croatian language classes at the University of Akron, and served as president of the Akron chapter of the Croatian Fraternal Union, Lodge 699. He was also recognized for his work as the producer and radio host of the Croatian Cultural Program on WAUP-The University of Akron, proudly informing listeners of the rich cultural heritage of Croatian music, history, and art. Zvonko's primary devotion in life was to his family. With his beloved wife Anka, he instilled the values of kindness, intelligence, and humility in his two daughters, for whom he was an actively involved parent in all aspects of their education and activities, from childhood sports games to recitals to graduations and sacraments. His fondest memories were made at family events with his girls, for whom he was a mentor and inspiration, and who was inspired, in turn, by their optimism and joy. With his family, he traveled extensively in Europe, especially to Croatia, Venice, and Medjugorje, and in his later years to Washington, D.C. and Chicago to visit his daughters at college. A great lover of classical music and art, Zvonko was a patron of the arts community in Akron, particularly when his daughters were members of the Summit Choral Society. He was a soccer coach for the Christ the King CYO team, having led the team to the championships. In his leisure, he enjoyed time spent working in his extensive vegetable garden. Zvonko leaves behind his wife, Anka; and daughters, Kristina and Caroline. He is also survived by his sister, Zdenka (Steve) Oblak; nieces, Lydia, Irena, and Stanislava; brother-in-law, Stanko Skrtic, and numerous Dzeba cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and son Nino. Services will be held at St. Francis de Sales Church in Akron (4019 Manchester Road) on Wednesday March 31st at 11 a.m., with calling hours one hour prior to the funeral mass. Father Anthony Suso and concelebrant Father Frank Basa will preside over the mass of Christian burial. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family extends its gratitude to all doctors, nurses, and staff at the Hospice Care Center on Ridgewood Road in Akron, who made Zvonko's final days so peaceful. The family also expresses its sincere appreciation to all friends, colleagues, and caretakers who so lovingly offered their help during this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Croatian Fraternal Union Scholarship Fund, in care of Kucko-Anthony-KerteszFuneral Home. (Anthony Funeral Homes, 330.724.1281, anthonyfh.com)