Victor Roznovsky

1938 - 2022

Victor Roznovsky
October 19, 1938 - January 18, 2022
Fresno, California - Victor Joseph Roznovsky passed away peacefully January 18, 2022 at home and surrounded by his loving family at the age of 83. Victor was born on October 19, 1938 in Shiner, Texas to parents Steve and Edna Roznovsky. He attended St. Ludmila Catholic Elementary School and St. Paul High School. To pay for his Catholic education, Vic would sweep the school corridors every afternoon. Vic formed a baseball team with his buddies on weekends and headed out to a nearby pasture to play ball. He spent countless hours throwing the ball against the garage door to strengthen his arm. His dream was to become a professional baseball player. Vic and a buddy went to a Pittsburgh Pirates tryout camp in a nearby town. He was one of two people to be signed out of that camp. He started his career as an outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates Farm Club. In 1960 he was traded to the San Francisco Farm Club in Fresno where he met the love of his life, Bernie Spano. In 1962 his dream came true and he was traded to the Chicago Cubs and signed as a catcher for two years. Vic was then traded to the Baltimore Orioles. He was fortunate to be part of the 1966 World Series Championship team that swept the Dodgers. He spent two more years with the Orioles and was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies where he finished his baseball career. When Vic played for the Fresno Giants, he would see Bernie and her parents at the games and at church. It was in that church Vic and Bernie would one day be married. Vic had a very strong work ethic that began at 8 years old picking cotton with his mother. His work ethic continued during the baseball off season while being mentored by his future father-in-law, Oscar Spano. Vic had humble beginnings sweeping gutters and shoveling manure. Oscar made sure Vic knew the value of hard work and learning from the bottom up. He continued to mentor Vic throughout the learning process of home building. Vic carried on the lessons he learned from Oscar to his children, grandchildren and those who worked for him. Vic was liked by everyone and was well respected in his field. He served as president of the Building Industry Association for three different terms. He was also a man of great faith and was active at Holy Spirit Catholic Church where him and Bernie taught Baptismal classes and were involved in the marriage preparation program, Engaged Encounter. Vic and Bernie were married in 1964 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Fresno where they continued to live and raise their family. They enjoyed traveling with their friends and family trips to Maui which later included grandchildren and even a trip this past summer that included their first great grandchild. Vic was a devoted and loving husband to Bernie, she was his everything. He adored and loved his children, Stephanie, Brad and Kristen. He was all about family and that was strengthened with the birth of each of his 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was so proud of each and everyone of them and their accomplishments. In his later years, Vic enjoyed going to their vacation home and attending any and all events that involved his grandchildren. One of his favorite pastimes was watching his son, Brad, coach the San Joaquin Memorial basketball team. Vic's legacy continues with his 3 children and some of their children now being part of the family business that was started by his father-in-law, Oscar. Vic is preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Edna Roznovsky and his in-laws, Oscar and Angie Spano. He is survived by his wife Bernie, his daughter Stephanie Smallie and her husband Larry Smallie, her children Josh Harrison, Nicole Ellison and her husband Trevor Ellison and daughter Logan, Amanda Harrison and Drew Harrison. His son Brad Roznovsky, his wife Candace and their children Conner, Danielle and fiancé' Vince Pieretti and Madison Roznovsky. His daughter Kristen Roznovsky and her daughters Allyssa, Makenna and Tessa Martinez and Gianna Laurence. He is also survived by his sister Kathryn Johnson and niece Tammy Johnson. Also survived by his brother-in-law and business partner Stan Spano, wife Darlene and their children Steve Spano and Dr. Sue Spano. A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 28 at 9:30 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. A luncheon will follow at San Joaquin Country Club. Burial is private. Donations can be made to Nami Fresno, 7545 N. Del Mar Ave Suite 105, Fresno 93711. The Alzheimer's Association, Attn: Fresno Regional Office, 2290 N. First St. Suite 101, San Jose, CA 95131 and Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E. Champlain Dr., Fresno 93730.