Dario Grdovic

Dario Grdovic, 84, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2016. He was surrounded by his beloved family--his wife and two children. Dario was born on February 5th, 1932, in Zadar, Croatia. Together, he and his siblings witnessed firsthand the horrors of World War II. In 1952, Dario was conscripted into the Yugoslavian army. After his discharge from the army, Dario was intent on leaving communist Yugoslavia to make a better life for himself.

After an unsuccessful attempt that resulted in a short incarceration, he escaped in the night on a small boat across the Adriatic to Italy. With the sponsorship of his Uncle Sam, he immigrated to the United States; arriving in New York City on July 4th, 1956; eventually gaining his citizenship in 1961.

While attending a local dance of fellow Croatian immigrants in Manhattan, he met his future wife--his beloved, Catherine Pendulick. The couple married on January 18, 1964. Dario worked in a factory in Long Island City for more than thirty years making lasts – the molds for shoes. Dario and his bride raised two healthy and successful children, Christina and Mark.

His remarkable work ethic and charismatic personality defined him.

He loved improving and maintaining his home as well as helping friends and family with similar projects. He loved gardening and grilling in his beautifully tended backyard.

After he retired, he developed a series of medical issues but his ability to recover and adapt was nothing short of amazing. Since October, 2015, he valiantly battled pancreatic and liver cancer.

Dario was a beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather and an inspiration to all those that knew him. His life was a shining example of the American Dream. He is survived by his wife Catherine; his daughter Christina Grdovic Baltz and her husband Phillip Baltz, his beloved grandson, Henry Baltz; his son Mark Grdovic and his wife Gretchen; his brother, Franko and his sister, Laura.

For further information you may contact Frederick Funeral Home at 718-357-6100.