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David Radakovich
Born: 4/17/1921
Died: 3/6/2011
Age: 89
Community: Flint, MI
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RADAKOVICH, David - Of Flint, age 89, died Sunday, March 6, 2011 at McLaren Regional Medical Center. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. Burial in Glenwood Cemetery. Visitation 1-3p.m. and 6-8p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. David was born in Flint on April 17, 1921. He was the son of hard-working immigrant parents, Michael and Boja (Beslach) Radakovich, from Yugoslavia. David grew up as one of seven siblings on St. John Street in an area of Flint known as “little Europe.” Even though they struggled through the depression, he recalled these years as the happiest time of his life-with his parents, a house full of siblings, boarders, friends and family, all of whom, together, created a community of support and wonderful memories through hard times.
David attended Fairview Elementary School, Lowell Junior High School, and then graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1939. He attended General Motors Institute and was employed by General Motors for 30 years with 15 years at the Fisher Body Division, 15 years at the Buick Motor Division, was on supervision for 23 years, and retired in 1976. Throughout his long career at GM, David helped many new immigrants get their first job in the USA, often helping them become acquainted with Flint, and at times, guided some through the dream of purchasing their first house. “Dave” (as he was known to his co-workers) was a well-respected supervisor at GM who, well into his 80’s, would be stopped in public with a strong handshake and kind words about what a “good man and fair boss” he was on the job. He remembered everyone whom he encountered.
David married “the love of his life”, Violet Delac, from Yugoslavia, in 1951. They raised 4 children and made certain that all of them attended and finished college. All of his children learned through his example to help others-even something as simple as shoveling and elderly neighbor’s walk without being asked.
As a lifelong resident of Flint, David was a frequent contributor to the opinion page of The Flint Journal. He continually looked out for the underdog and tried to shine a spotlight on any perceived injustices. He spent a lifetime promoting world peace, economic justice, and the treatment of all humans with respect and love. David Radakovich had a firm belief in the principles of government OF the people, BY the people, and FOR the people. He is survived by his son, Leo Radakovich; Daughters, Sophie Radakovich-Petkovic, Nada Radakovich, Mira Radakovich-Briggs and their spouses; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; Sister, Boya Radakovich-Polymeros;
And many beloved nephews and nieces.
David was preceded in death by his wife, Violet, his parents, Michael and Boja Radakovich, brothers, Daniel and Louis;
Sisters Julia Radakovich-Marvosh, Mildred Radakovich-Mirich and Sophie Radakovich-Ignatov.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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| Visitation |
| 1-3pm & 6-8pm Thursday March 10 |
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| Funeral Service |
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3/11/2011 |
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2:00 PM |
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| Location: |
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Swartz Funeral Home & Cremation Center
1225 West Hill Road
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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