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148 Entries
Tony Paone
September 1, 2007
Bonnie,
My sincerest sympathy to you and your family. It was a pleasure to know John. It's been a long time since I've seen you but I wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynn Silva
June 17, 2007
Brother was Amador County's hero
A Friend
May 4, 2007
To the Vukovich Family:
My prayers tonight will remember John and your family.
May God and HIS Holy Spirit give you strength in the days ahead.
Michael Smith
April 23, 2007
To the family of "Brother Vukovich:" Our sincere condolescences on your loss. John and the entire Vukovich family were revered by all of us who were raised in Amador County. With deepest sympathy, Mike Smith & Georgianna Hunt
Joan (Smith) Borba
April 22, 2007
Being raised in Jackson, I had the pleasure of knowing the Vukovich family all my life. I am sorry for the loss of "Brother". Great guy who will be missed. My condolences to the family. May you rest in peace.
tom holland
April 22, 2007
Dear Bonnie and family
As one of those old timers who remember John as "Brother". I was deeply saddened at your loss. I was very fortunate to be able to talk to him when he came through Colorado as both a player and coach.
As much as he loved Baseball, there
was nothing more important on his mind than you and your son and daughter. It is amazing the number
of people that Brother touched in his life. May God go with you
John Cabri
April 22, 2007
Dear Bonnie & Family-
Please accept my sincere condolences on John's passing. John will always be remembered in my prayers.
I have many fond memories of John as a boy, and as a player.
I worked for John's father part time while in high school. I lost my father when I was very young, and John's father, took me under his wing.
I remember when John was born, and as a young man. I followed his career, and would make it a point to go to San Francisco to watch his team play the Giants. I would go down to the dugout to say hello, and he would come out to greet me. Once, he came out of the dugout with a bat as a gift for my children.
He was a special human being.
James O'Gorman
April 12, 2007
grew up watching him play and coach.
Was a true part of the phillies organization and will be missed by this fan
Patty Siravo Kouch
March 16, 2007
Dear Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear husband. Hold on to your precious memories, as they will help you get through this difficult time. Your husband truly sounds like he was a special person. I remember when you first met him, when you were a "Hot Pants Girl" back in the 70's. We worked together at Bell Telephone. John was lucky to share his life with a beautiful and kind person like you.
Again, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Patty Siravo Kouch
Clete Sigwart
March 15, 2007
Vuk was my way into baseball. I believe that I am just one of many men that he helped to realize their dreams. My dream was to be an athletic trainer in professional sports. Vuk was a friend of the family and when he asked me to send him my resume, I really didn't realize what kind of recommendation I was receiving. Vuk put his reputation up for me. Someone he had only heard of but being the loyal and trusting man that he was, that was good enough for him. I don't think Vuk knew how proud I was when people in the Phillies organization would address me as, "Vuk's guy". I hope that I never let him down. Of course he gave me the chance, but I had to earn respect. Vuk wanted to teach me all he could, not about the game on the field, that wasn't my responsibility, but about people. Relationships with people. Vuk was great at it. Some people didn't like Vuk's style or his personality, but he was himself. I read what people who knew him much better than me have written about his brash, rough outer shell and soft center. It is a good description. It would make me chuckle to see him get a rise out of people and then see him grin and laugh after they left because he had increased their blood pressure in one way or another. I owe a lot of thanks to our friend John Vukovich. He will be missed by all. My condolences to Bonnie, Nicki and Vince. Vuk was a good man. One that we could copy and be alright with our decision at the end of the day. We don't have enough men like Vuk in the world today. If we did, we certainly wouldn't have many of the problems that we do. Keep smiling Vuk as you look down at those of us whom you have touched. Keep smiling.
kathleen donnelly
March 13, 2007
My husband who suffered from the same afflication the Mr. Vukovich did always went to Florida for spring training. The year he couldn't go because of his illness a friend got Mr. Vukovich to sign a baseball for him which he treasured greatly. Rest in peace.
Milo S Popovich
March 13, 2007
Bonnie and Family, Bill and Rich - A story about "Brother" when he was little - I thought you and others would like it. John, better known by most of in Sutter Creek as "Brother" was quite a kid. One day when my mother was walking to town to shop, she passed Brother's family home. He yelled, "Lady, wil you play ball with me?" He tossed a few baseballs to her; then my Mom had to go. He did this several times in the following weeks when she went shopping. One day he asked her, "Lady, What is your name?" she told him Mrs. Popovich. He didn't quite pick up the name, but yelled back, thank you Mrs. Popsicle. He ran into his house, and told his mother a lady by the name of Mrs. Popsicle played ball with him. From that day on she was always "Popsicle" to him. His mother, Lena, knew who she was. Lena got into her car and came to my mother's house and told her about Brother's new name for her. Whenever, my mother Mildred had to shop in a hurry and did not have time to throw balls to Brother, she would take another street to town, but that did not happen very often. She LOVED Brother. When Brother would come home for a visit, he always came by to visit and say hello to her. She was his "Popsicle" - he would even send cards to her adressed "Mrs. Popsicle.
Brother Rest in Peace - God Bless You - you were an inspiration to all the youngs kids in Sutter Creek and greatly admired by all of Amador County - your friend Milo
Pat
March 13, 2007
I bowled with John at the Garry Maddox Bowl - a -thon, many years ago. What a nice man - very classy. He made time for everyone there. What was, I'm sure, a small token to him meant a lot to the young kids - I never forgot that night - going on 20 years now.
Rest in peace.
Gloria Oates
March 12, 2007
Dear Bonnie, Nikki, and Vincent,
So many memories flood my mind of our times together through the years. We love you and are praying for you. Johnny and Vuk had such a special friendship. It meant so much to us when he came to Virginia for Johnny's funeral.
Praying that you will sense God's presence and peace each moment.
We love you dearly.
Gloria Oates
Andy,Lori,and Jenny
John B Canuso
March 12, 2007
Bonnie,Nicole and Vince--- There are very few people that come into your life that make such a personel impact--- John was one of them. I have a picture of John with my Dad in the Phillies dugout, sitting on my shelf, that I will always treasure. I asked Babe to show him around Heaven. I am sad to say that time doesn't necessary lesson the pain but it helps you treasure his life. Those grand kids needed to know their grandfather and its up to you guys to pass on his legacy. I am designing a rosary garden and I will take a bead(a rose) and dedicate it in John's honor. John was such a great guy. Love to you all always. I am here for you.
Nick Giove
March 12, 2007
Bonnie and family....John will always be remembered as a loving family man and a great student of the game he loved so much..When I first met John in 1978, he immediately made me feel like I had known him a lifetime..I loved him from that first time and in subsequent encounters with him, he assisted me in organizing a bowl a thon for the Voorhees Rotary where I was a member..I made John my honorary chairman and he got me ball players for the event and worked hard for the event..It was a success for his involvement and unselfishment....On another occasion when he was with the Cubs, my sons and I attended a game at Veterans Stadium..I talked to Vuk, he took us to the Cubs locker room, and finally to the dugout where we met several of the Cubs players..When Vuk heard my son's favorite player was Mike Schmidt, He jumped from the dugout walked across to the Phillies dugout and disappeared..My son asked "where is John going?" I said, knowing John he might get you to meet Schmitty..My son said. I got to see that..within minutes, out of the dugout comes Vuk followed by Mike Schmidt to where we were in the Cubs dugout..I can not explain the feeling a father has when he looked into his sons eyes and saw a look that to this day is undescribable..My son has this picture of Mike with his arms around him., a look of a stunned but a most happy young man...That was Vuk, a man who was tough on the outside, but had a heart that was immeasurable..To say I will like all others he touched miss him is an understatement..Bonnie, may you find peace in your heart. he was a man that was loved and respected by all...Rest in peace, Vuk............Nick Giove..
Mike Prendergast
March 12, 2007
Bonnie, Nicole and Vince, Please know that the entire Cardinal Dougherty High School Community has John and his entire family in our prayers. If there is anything we can do for you let us know.
I had the pleasure of meeting John at a CD reunion with Bonnie-what a Class Act and what a cute couple. I've enjoyed reading the tributes to John in the local papers-they really seemed to capture John the person more than John the Phillie.
Thanks for sharing him with Philadelphia.
With my sincerest condolences, Mike Prendergast, Alumni Relations Coordinator, Cardinal Dougherty High School.
Carol and Marty Dragum
March 11, 2007
Bonnie and family, Marty and I are so terribly sad hearing Vuk's passing, he will be greatly missed. Marty remembered him taking our son Charles on the ball field and what a role model he was for young men aspiring to be baseball players.May God bless you. Carol and Marty Dragum, Naples, Florida
Joanne Martin
March 11, 2007
Bonnie,I would just like to send my condolences to your and your family. Joanne (Brennan) Martin, Foo's sister
John Dix
March 11, 2007
Your John was a Phillie for almost my whole life! Dedicated to his profession 100%. My favorite memory of John was his snag of then Red Pete Rose's line drive destined for left field to preserve Rick Wise's no-hitter in about 1971. If you love the Phillies, you love John Vukovich...try to cherish the memories, he left us too soon. I am so sorry for your loss. Bless you all! Thanks for sharing a great baseball man and human being with us. He will be greatly missed.
Donna GIULIAN
March 11, 2007
I knew John as a patient,even in sickness he was a true man. Bonnie, you and your family have suffered a great lost he fought a great battle. My deepest sympathies and i will always remember him as a gentlemen that he was.
Anthony Bonanno
March 11, 2007
Bonnie
Condolences from me and my wife on the passing of John. You and both graduated from Cardinal Dougherty in 1970 so whenever the name of John Vukovich I would think our old high school. Also my father's first cousin, vince Gangemi was friends with John from when your family lived in the Mullica Hill vicinity. Again our sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Maria & Tony Bonanno (CDHS, class of 70(
Charlie Doud
March 11, 2007
good suy, rest in peace
Carole Ann Davis
March 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mike and Laura Backovich
March 11, 2007
Bonnie, Nicole & family, Vince, Rich and Bill
Our deepest sympathy to the Vukovich family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May the love of family and friends help you through this difficult time. All of Amador County was very proud of John "Brother". He will be missed by many.
John Fasy
March 10, 2007
To the Vukovich Family,
I didn't know Mr. Vukovich well at all. But I was fortunate enough to spend a few hours one afternoon taking a personal tour of his beloved memorabilia in his home in Vorhees. I was struck by the fact that he didn't seem to realize the fact that I was in awe of his life and his memories. But as he showed off his treasures he appeared to me to be a bit in awe of it all himself. There was not a hint of ego in his manner.
I have been very fortunate to become close to his son Vince however, and I see so much of what so many have said about Mr. Vukovich in his son. If Vince can live his life by the teachings of his father, he will have a very rich life indeed.
Mr. Vukovich seemed to be one of those rare human beings who truly knows what is important in life. Titles and paychecks go away in an instant, but integrity, family, love, loyalty, and giving to others are eternal. I am saddened that his three precious little granddaughters will never have the opportunity to learn this from their grandpa. Nor will the other grandchildren who are yet to come. But I feel strongly in my heart that his legacy lives on in his son and his son will honor and teach that legacy to everyone he comes to know in his lifetime. To Bonnie, Nicole and her family, and to Vince I offer my sincerest condolences, and my prayers. I know my Dad and my Pop Pop, both ridiculously rabid Phillies Fans in life,are driving him crazy with questions right now in heaven. And from what I have come to know about Mr. Vukovich, he is not only tolerating them but enjoying the conversation.
Jack Kraus
March 10, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Vukovich family.
Tom Guarini
March 10, 2007
God Bless You
Jerry Guarini
March 10, 2007
Deepest sympathy to his family. You have lost one of the nice guys in baseball. He will be long remembered for his wonderful personal qualities. Our prayers are with you.
Rob McCoy
March 10, 2007
To The Vukovich Family,
May God Bless all of you during this extremely difficult time. We all loved Vuk, his work ethic, and never give up attitude. He will be sorely missed!!
THE GOLDSTEINS
March 10, 2007
DEAR VUKOVICH FAMILY,
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME.
AL, DEBBIE, COREY GOLDSTEIN
Daniel S. and Milo S. Popovich
March 10, 2007
Our sympathy to John's "Brother" family - from his neighbors in Sutter Creek, CA - we will miss him - may he rest in peace.
Mike
March 10, 2007
John, we're gonna win this year for you. God bless you and thanks for all the memories.
Helen Fasy
March 10, 2007
Dear Bonnie, Nicole and Vince,
My heart aches for all of you. I've read many tributes about John Vukovich and to you Vince, I see so many of his wonderful qualities in you. Ever since you and our daughter have been together, I have grown to love you as the kindest, warmest, most giving young man we could have ever wished for our daughter. I feel close to all of you because both Vince and our daughter kept us up to date about your wonderful family. We even got to meet one of the "beautiful trio", Lena, your granddaughter and niece and daughters. I'm so glad John got to feel the joy of seeing his first grandchildren, three of them!! I'm so sad on many levels. For you Vince, I just want to hold you and never let go. Bonnie, I'm so sad for you having lost the most wonderful husband and father. So sad for you Nicole, not being able to see your Dad grow really old with the triplets. My prayers are with all of you. I hope I can offer you all my support and love forever. I look forward to meeting all of you and to pay tribute to an especially great man who could not have made his family any happier and more precious to him.
All my love,
gregory Arnoldy
March 9, 2007
Dear johns family
Vuk was a class act and he is comfortable in heaven with Tug, Pope and Ritchie. Thank you for your dedication on the field John. We all wish we could have known him the way your family has.
GREG KEALEY
March 9, 2007
he was a good man
GREG KEALEY
March 9, 2007
he was a good man
Howard James
March 9, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Luke
March 9, 2007
My condolences to the entire Vukovich family. John was a true Phillie.
George Hedricks
March 9, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Vukovich family for your loss. May God Bless you during this time of grief. Aloha.
Barbara Krzich
March 9, 2007
Dear Vukovich Family,
My deepest sympathy in your loss. I grew up in Sutter Creek and am also Serbian so "Brother" John Vukovich was a special childhood hero. As kids we always looked forward to going to bay area games when Brother's team was in town and saying "hi" to him at the dugout. Fantastic memories. He truly lived the dream in both his beloved world of baseball and with his happy family. May he rest in peace.
Michael Benjamin
March 9, 2007
What I feel today goes beyond being from Philly or being a Philly fan. I'm loyal to Philly because sometimes we get a guy that comes thru that epitomizes us to the tee. That's who Johnny V. was. You couldn't think or talk about the Phillies without his name coming to mind. He loved this team and we loved him because of that. I'm sorry he left us so soon but I'm happy that he was around during my time. We will miss you Vukey. To the Vukovich Family, we pray God's blessing over all of you during this time. Godspeed.
D. Sam Popovich
March 9, 2007
My sympathy to the Vukovich family in Philadelphia and Sutter Creek, CA - we were neighbors in Sutter Creek, CA "Brother" as we knew him - may you rest in peace
Diana Popovich
March 9, 2007
To John's family our deepest sympathy and condolence - We the Popovich family of Sutter Creek,California knew him as "Brother" he was quite the guy - He was our neighbor down the road - Our sympathy goes to his brothers Bill and Rich - both of Sutter Creek, CA
Bob Elliott
March 9, 2007
First time I remember meeting Vuk was the spring of 1990. John Olerud doubled to left 1st time up and double to right 2nd time up. Both times the line drives kicked up chalk. Vuk asked him where he played last yr and Olerud said "Washington." Vuk could not believe that the swing belonged to a college player and asked to see my Jays media guide.
With the Jays playing the Phillies so often each spring, I came to know him, respect him and his unmatched love of the game and doing things properly.
Outstanding baseball men like the late Huey Alexander, Dallas Green and Jim Fregosi all regarded him as either a son or a brother.
My sympathies are extended to the family over their loss.
Rick Howard
March 9, 2007
Growing Up As a Phillies Fan, I'll Never Forget This One Game against the Dodgers in the late 1970's, where With Two Outs, Vuk Singled In the Tying Run, in a Wild Ninth Inning Rally by the Phils! As He reached First, I Can Still Visualize Him, Singly Clapping One Hand Against the Other in Triumph! As a Player, He May Not Have Experienced Many Such Moments, But He Had That One, And I'll Bet He Himself Remembered It! So Sad He's Gone!
Thomas Reiter
March 9, 2007
Bonnie, Nikki, Brian, and Vinne: Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. There must be over a million stories about how John touched people's lives. In my little way, by John leaving his comps for Phillies games, I have met all of you, have met John at my window, and in the halls of the ballpark. You have all made a simple greeting special. I had many conversations about the game and how it has changed over the years with John, he was really, one of a kind. Courtesy Tom
Michael Daley
March 9, 2007
Your loyality to the phils was impressive, becoming their longest serving coach.
Others would have left as soon as they could; yet you stayed with them through all times, good and bad.
Not much loyality in sports today but you were a fine exception.
I hope many of those you helped with your coaching and friendship now can return the favor by helping your family cope with their loss.
Phillies fans will mourn your passing and won't forget you.
Joseph Smith
March 9, 2007
My father and I met Vuk at both spring training in Clearwater, and at the old Olympic Stadium in Montreal. He was a nice man and I hope he could hear our ringing support when we would holler out his nickname from the front rows on the third base side. How can you not hear "VUUUUUK" in a dome stadium? I remember seeing him play when I was a kid in Philly at the Vet. He was and will always be a hero to me. I had genuine respect for John and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the Phillies organization. See you in Heaven, John, third base side - front row.
ellen kaplan
March 9, 2007
He was a very special person and an excellent baseball guy. We will really miss him.
Jay Foulk
March 9, 2007
I met John once in a card store that he had come into while waiting for a pizza. I recognized him and he spoke to me about the Phillies like we had been friends for years. While John spoke to me the store owner looked for a baseball card from John's playing days for him to sign but couldn't find one. John thought that was the funniest thing. It was just a little bit of John's life, but he seemed to enjoy it as much as this fan of his did. He was just great to us for those five minutes when he didn't have to be. He was a perfect fit for the Phillies and for all of his fans. He will be deeply missed.
Lori & Joe Stolarick
March 9, 2007
Dear Bonnie, Vince, Nikki and Brian -
We've been reading about John all morning - what an incredible tribute! I hope knowing how well respected he was in his sport and personal life by friends and fans will get you through this hard time. Celebrate his life with your wonderful memories and love. Tell his beautiful Granddaughters what a wonderful man their Grandfather was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All our love.
Darryl Williams
March 9, 2007
As a long time Phillies fan, Coach Vukovich will be missed. He was and still is a well respected man on and off the field. My prayers go out to Coach Vukovich, his family, the Phillies and my fellow fans. Vuk is now in a better place, no more pain and suffering. To those close to him...family and friends, it's not a good-bye, it's simply... I'll see you later & again on the other side.
Pete Toma
March 9, 2007
Bonnie, Nicole and Vince: I can't tell you how crushed I was to hear about John's passing. Although it's been ten years since I left Philadelphia, I'll never forget the great times and the amazing people in the Phillies organization. Vuk was one of my favorites. He was a man who garnered respect, but was filled with love in his heart... you especially saw that when it came to his friends and family. I always made it a point to come down to the dugout/clubhouse to see Vuk when we were in each other's town, and he would always greet me the same way, "Peter, my boy..." Ironically, he passes on the same day as father, a year later. I know how difficult this time is, but I hope knowing how many people loved your husband and father will bring you peace. Thank you for sharing Vuk with his extended family in baseball. We'll miss him.
Pete Toma
Producer
Cubs Baseball on WGN Sports
Anthony Chaffier
March 9, 2007
The last two days I have read memorable stories of what I have come to know now, was an amazing man. For one man to have so many admirers and friends is worth more than all the gold in the world. He must have been a trully great man and I wish I had the chance to know him and learn from him. His family is so lucky they had him in their lives. He will always be remembered by all those whose lives he has touched.
Joe Short
March 9, 2007
Many of John's former minor league teammates will miss not only a great "Phillies Family" man , but such a good man who crossed our basepaths in life.Our prayers go out to all his family.
Ann Kleinschmidt
March 9, 2007
Dear Vukovich Family,
There are not enough words to describe how sad I am about our loss. May it help to know that others are sharing your sorrow now and always.
With Love, prayers and Thanks for sharing Vuke with us for so long.
A job well done my good and faithful servant.
Ann Kleinschmidt
RICHARD BOMPADRE
March 9, 2007
FREDDIE & RICHIE FROM THE PLAYERS PARKING LOT WISH TO EXTEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE VUKOVICH FAMILY
JOHN ALWAYS HAD A KIND WORD FOR US
THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, WE SHALL MISS
HIM GOD BLESS
Avi Kravitz
March 9, 2007
Vukovich Family,
Even for those of us who did not personally now John Vukovich it feels like he was a part of our lives. My earliest memories as a child of following the Phillies involve "Vuk" during the magical '93 season. He has always seemed like a class act and he will be missed by all.
Peggy Wilson-Rodden
March 9, 2007
TO: Bonnie and Family
I worked with Bonnie at Bell Telephone back in the early 70's when she met John and they fell in love and married. When Bonnie introduced him to me I knew he was a real gentleman. We lost touch over the years but would always look for John at third base when we were at a game.
Early this fall I had to take my friend to Fox Chase for an appointment. She is a die hard Phillies fan and to take her mind off everything I told her that's John Vuke sitting across from us. With that I introduced myself and my friend started talking baseball. John talked to her like he knew her forever. He made her feel comfortable and put her at ease. The man was a gentleman even in his own suffering.
My smypathy goes out to you and your family. Heaven has the best third base coach and most of all a gentleman.
Love, Peggy Wilson Rodden
Ira Shull
March 9, 2007
I remember Vuke as a player--the Phillies of the '70s had a lot of utility guys like him (Terry Harmon, Mike Ryan), and yet there was no else quite like him. The original "Nails." He made some great plays at third base, and in one game, I think he even hit two triples! Not bad for a ulitity guy.
Teams like the Dodgers and Red Sox talk about those career players who devote themselves during their playing days and afterward to their organizations as if they're the only teams worth caring about. Well, Vuke cared about the Phillies even when nobody else (including the fans) did. He was one of those quality guys who make baseball worth following, and playing. His value will never be measured in stats. He brought so many intangibles to the game that it's hard to know where to begin.
Call him the Philles' Zimmer if you want, or Lasorda. Just call him a Phillie. You can tell, just looking at his expression on his 1973 Brewers baseball card (which I have), that he'd rather be in Philadelphia!
A great influence, and his passing is a sad day for Phillies fans everywhere.
Jay Lebofsky
March 8, 2007
I was very sad to hear of the passing of John. He will be missed by so many. I remember when he caught the final out of Rick Wise's no hitter in 1971. I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to John's family at this time
Chris Edwards
March 8, 2007
To Mrs. Bonnie Vukovich and Family,
There are no words to express the sadness I felt upon hearing of John's passing. As a former Phillies beat writer, I had the pleasure of viewing him simultaneously as an inspiration, a mentor, a quintessential "baseball" man, a competitor of great integrity and, to my everlasting benefit, a friend. I'll always treasure the look of reward on his face following a Phillies victory. Toothbrush dangling from his mouth, he walked with pride through the clubhouse. I know the baseball community is devastated by this loss. From Don Zimmer to Chris Wheeler to Harry Kalas to Joe Torre to Terry Francona to Dallas Green to the late Richie Ashburn and Tug McGraw, the list of those within John's wonderful sphere of influence will last for as long as fungo bats echo in the late-afternoon shadows.
I'll never forget a cool Clearwater morning when third baseman Scott Rolen was taking a special one-on-one infield practice from John. Sitting next to me on a Carpenter Complex bench was Tug. As Rolen dove and corralled line drive after line drive, John relished the challenge of guiding one by the Gold Glove third baseman. At one point, Tug paused and said, "Look at that. Effort is no good without passion."
When it comes to baseball passion, John will always be synonomous with the concept.
He was a total class act.
Alyson Mahana
March 8, 2007
Back in 1994, at the grocery store with my mother, I saw a man walk by out of the corner of my eye. I jokingly said, "Hey I just saw John Vukovich," not believing it was really him. A few minutes passed and we came upon the same man wearing a NL hat, reading the back of a bag of frozen vegetables. We realized I was right, but we decided not to bother him. A few weeks later we noticed him again as we were checking out and again chose not to approach him. As fate would have it, I noticed Vuk a third time, at the same grocery store. This time we were just walking in while he was at the check out. As Vuk headed for the exit, my mother stopped him and asked if he would sign something for me. Though he had groceries in each hand, he never once made it seem like an inconvenience. He placed them on the floor, smiled, spoke with us and asked if I was a baseball fan. He graciously signed a blank sheet of paper from our shopping list and shook our hands. After he left, everyone around wanted to know who he was. We couldn't believe they didn't know Vuk. Though I've always felt that it was wrong of us to intrude upon his regular life, I'm so glad I had that opportunity to meet him.
Eleven years later, on my way to work, I found myself saying, "Hey I just saw John Vukovich," again. Vuk would ride his bike passed our building some mornings. It was an odd but pleasant surprise, that no matter where I lived or how much time had passed, Vuk somehow managed to be there. I suspected there was a reason this man kept popping up in my life, in the tiniest of ways. I was honored to have him pass by me, if only to put a smile on my face. John Vukovich was an extraordinary man in the body of a regular, everyday guy. I look forward to our paths crossing again.
Rob
March 8, 2007
To the family of John Vukovich,
I will always remember going to Phillies games and hearing the crowd chant "Vuk" as he came out to coach third base. No one even did that for any player because none of the players loved the game and the fans as much as John. And if you were close enough to the field John was never shy about talking baseball. He will be missed.
Fran Peterman
March 8, 2007
I coached high school baseball and worked at many Phillies camps and had the pleasure of having worked these camps with Vuke as and instructor! He was great working with these kids!! He will truly be missed!!
David A. Burgoyne
March 8, 2007
To The Family of John Vukovich:
Please accept our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
The Burgoyne Family
Gary Korona
March 8, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. May his memory be a blessing. What a true gentleman, in everything that he did. What a great loss...
DEBBIE GOLDSTEIN
March 8, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
David Schwartz
March 8, 2007
Dear Vukovich Family,
The Phillies have lost a wonderful asset. Vuk was a class act and a true Phillie. I will always remember seeing him at the VET and saying to friends; there is a class act guy, someone Philadelphia can be proud to have as a member of one of its sports organizations. I hope you will find comfort in knowing that VUK was admired by many and loved by all Philadelphia. The 2007 season will be a little less exciting without VUK in the fold. Best wishes during this difficult time.
Lori LaPearl
March 8, 2007
My prayers go out to you and your family at this time. My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Vukovich on the parking lot of the Hamburg Cabela's about 2 1/2 years ago. My husband made the comment that no one has ever shaken his hand that hard before. We will always remember that day forever. He was an AWESOME person to talk to!! We will miss him.
Bob DiJoseph
March 8, 2007
Terrible loss, he'll be missed, a true baseball man, my heart goes out to John's family
Todd Kratzer
March 8, 2007
Dear Vukovich Family,
I worked for the Phillies in the Phone center and in the sales office during college. I also lost my father last February 8th to a brain tumor. My thought and prayers are with your entire family. It was devestating to our family, and the only way we made it through was as a family.
Ben and Betty O'Dell
March 8, 2007
Our love and prayers to Bonnie and family. To know John was to love him. We remember 21yr old John when he played for the Milwaukee Brewers.
A very special friend to our son Rob and to us. He will always be missed...but an honor to have been his friends.
Paul Cohen
March 8, 2007
I was deeply saddened to hear of John's pasing. He was truly one of the nicest men to ever put on a baseball uniform and a class act in every sense of the word. May he rest in peace knowing he was loved and remembered by many.
Kurt Zimmerman
March 8, 2007
My condolences to the Vuckovich Family at this difficult time. I was at the Vet in 1976 when John hit a game winning homer off the Mets late in the season. I can still remember when the ball went out. He was the Spirit of the Phillies.
stu cohen
March 8, 2007
when you think of vuk, you think about baseball....know he was respected in both leagues.
my thoughts go out to bonnie and the vukovich family.
vuk will be missed around the ballpark.
Peggy Knutson
March 8, 2007
Julie and I are sick for his family
and all those who were fortunate to have known 'Vuk'. Our love and prayers to all of his family (East and West Coast). He was the kind of player all youngsters should aspire to be like. THE BEST, HONEST AND SO FAMILY ORIENTED. He is gone way too soon and had more to give. We were fortunate to have known John, his wife and family. Got to see his fun side and I personally don't think there was a better defensive third baseman. Saved my 'husbands' pitching career so many times.
Love to all the Vukovichs
PJK and JKK
Bill & Pam
March 8, 2007
Bonnie, Vince, and Nicki,
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. From this moment on, I will always believe we have a wonderful guardian angel in John. He will be missed. God Bless you all.
Ed Broomell
March 8, 2007
Vuke,
You will be sorely missed.
diane albensi
March 8, 2007
i was shocked to hear the news of john's passing. my thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time. he will indeed be missed and always be in my heart just as whitey and the tugger.
Lynda Lyons
March 8, 2007
I was shocked and saddened to hear this news. Vuke was loved by all Phillies fans, and will dearly be missed!
Tom Hassett
March 8, 2007
John, May you be with God eternally.
You'll be missed by your old Pine Hill neighbors but I know you'll met up with Joe Pettit & I'm sure your both in the arms of God.
Lisa S
March 8, 2007
I'm so saddened to hear of this news. John was a true Philadelphian and always will be. My prayers go out to his family, friends and the entire Phillies organization. Rest in Peace.
Steven Weng
March 8, 2007
Rest in peace, Vuke. You will be missed. My sincere condolences to the Vukovich family.
Andrea Holland
March 8, 2007
How very sad and what a loss. I remember how, when he was the third-base coach, Vuke would always step over the third base line and would never step on the line. That always made me smile.
Roy Berry
March 8, 2007
In 1991 the Phillies sent over to Karlsruhe Germany a delegation of players and coaches to a little Po-Dunk station and Mr Vukovich was one of those folks that spent time talking with the soldiers of the 44th Signal Battalion. He was really down to earth and a great guy to talk baseball with we all sat in our little snack bar, drank coffee and just joked around.
He’ll be missed!
Burton Brodo
March 8, 2007
He was a throwback to what baseball and professional sports was all about.
I am recommendating the Phillies dedicate their 2007 season to him and bring home a World Series in his memory.
Dr. Burton Brodo
Jim
March 8, 2007
To the family, I am sorry for your loss. Vuke was the epitome of a guy who left it all out on the field. He was finally waved home and no doubt greeting him at the plate were Whitey, the Pope, Tugger and Hughie Alexander. We will raise a glass to you at the Tiki when we go down next week. God Bless.
bill h
March 8, 2007
way to go Vuke. you did us proud. we will waive you home this time. whitey will be waiting for you.
Lisa
March 8, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Joe A
March 8, 2007
All Phillies' fans mourn John's passing. He will always be remembered as Phillies' family to me.
Neil
March 8, 2007
As a lifetime Phils fan for almost 40 years, I was saddened to hear of Vuke' s passing. He exemplified the spirit & passion of a true Philadelphia sportsman just like other fallen Phils legends as "Whitey" & the "Tugger." May they be forever in our hearts and thoughts. God bless your family during this trying time.
A Figthn Phillies Fan Forever
March 8, 2007
John you will be missed. I know eveytime the Phillies take the field you will be there to wave them home to a World Series. Until we meet again...God Bless!!!
Jeremy Prout
March 8, 2007
I had the pleasure to meet Vuk at Spring Training in '01, he was coaching third base and threw me my first foul ball, later he took the time to sign it in the parking lot.
He will be missed.
Regina
March 8, 2007
Vuk, we'll raise a toast to you at the Tiki Bar in Clearwater this year. You were a true baseball man and a class act, and we'll miss you.
George Panico
March 8, 2007
Bonnie& Family
I am broken hearted with the loss of John. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Lou and Gina Ferrante
March 8, 2007
Vuke, Rest in Peace! Heaven only takes the good ones! The pain is over now and say hello to my father who passed of the same disease. God bless!
Todd White
March 8, 2007
To the family, Vuke will be missed by many. He was one of my all-time favorite Phils. God bless you all.
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