John Lulgjuraj

John was born on August 13th 1951 in Llofka, Montenegro. His father’s name was Zef Prela Lulgjuraj and his mother’s name was Lena Gjona Gjelaj. His family was very well known in the region for their integrity, honesty, and patriotic values. In his early age, John received these values that he carried on all his life. When John turned 13, he moved to Brach, Croatia to pursue his high school education in a Catholic boarding school. John became one of the most successful students in the school. He excelled in art, philosophy, history, and religion. After he graduated from the boarding school, in 1969 he came to America, where he joined his entire family. John was able to attend the University of Michigan and graduated in 1973 with his masters in History of Art and Archeology. During this time, he also started a radio program in Michigan which focused on the history and culture of Albania. This radio program influenced the Albanian community in Detroit to get involved in celebrating the culture and traditions of the Albanian heritage. He represented the community in different government bodies, such as American Congress, to fight for human rights in Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. He was the current president of the oldest Albanian-American National organization, which provides financial support to young Albanian-Americans who are pursuing a college education. John was a man of many talents. He was a musician, soccer player, golfer, and above all he loved the people that surrounded him. John was well respected from his family, friends, and colleagues. He will be remembered as a strong, intelligent, gentle, respectful, well-spoken, thoughtful, and selfless person. He set a great example for his children, Leo, Jennifer, and Jessica to carry on his legacy.