Obituary of Stefan Terkovich

Stefan Terkovich passed away peacefully at his home in Piscataway on July 5, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.  He was 96.

Stefan was born in Istria, Croatia, Yugoslavia (at that time Italy), to parents Anton and Ivana (nee Scomba) Terkovich.  At the age of 17 Stefan matriculated in the Italian Merchant Marine. In 1942 he enlisted in the Italian Royal Navy (Reggia Marina) as a telegraphist and signalman.  After Italy capitulated in 1943, he continued to serve in the merchant marine, under the authority of the United Kingdom, at which time he learned some English.  In early 1945 he joined the Yugoslav National Liberation Army (Navy).  In 1949 he completed schooling in navigation science in Montenegro, Yugoslavia.  After graduation he worked as a first officer in the Yugoslav merchant marine and sailed to ports in Europe, Africa, Asia and United States.

In 1952 he married his village sweetheart Nella Salamon.  In 1967 Stefan and his family immigrated to the United States. He lived in West New York, NJ, for 10 years and worked for the Hobart Corporation.  In 1977 he moved his family to Piscataway and worked with New Brunswick Saw Service until he retired.  In his retirement years, Stefan enjoyed gardening, reading and family events.

Stefan leaves behind his wife Nella, sons James (Therese) and Branko (Pamela); grandchildren John (Emily), Paul (Chelsea), Anne, Luke and Brooke; and great grandson Paul.  Stefan will be remembered as a man who cared deeply for his family, home and work and for his love of America, which welcomed him so graciously and offered him so much.

Visitation will be at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 129 Main Street, Peapack, NJ, on Friday, July 13, at 10 am.  Funeral Mass will be held immediately afterwards.  Bus transportation will be provided to and from Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to St. Brigid Catholic Church in memory of Stefan Terkovich.