Coni Uzelac

Uzelac, Coni, 72 of Fort Lauderdale passed away after a long battle with cancer last week. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Milan Uzelac and many friends from around the world. Coni was born in Washington, D.C to celebrated parents who were instrumental in impacting her life work that encompassed the world of fine art, literature and collectibles from the well known works of her father, artist, painter, collector, James Amos Porter, mother, Afroamerican historian, Dorothy Porter Wesley, step father, Charles Harris Wesley. After years as a medical librarian, she devoted her life to maintaining, organizing, cataloging the extensive collections of her family. Coni served as the Executive Director of the Dorothy Porter Wesley Library, spearheaded the project to create the African American Research Library & Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale where she generously donated a portion of her family's collection. Countess Coni Uzelac was a dedicated humanitarian and served on the board of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International, was a long time supporter of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and volunteered with many charities here and abroad. A celebration of life service will be held tomorrow, Friday, May 4, 2012, 3 p.m. at the Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thomas w. McCormick Scholarship Fund.