Rudolf Kolaric

Rudolf Kolaric age 92, beloved husband for 64 years of Victoria (nee Bajda); loving father of Tony (Joy) Kolaric, Peter Kolaric, Thomas (Sonja) Kolaric, Theresa (Tim) Kosem, and Vicky (Mickey) Brown; devoted grandfather of Jordan, Alexandra, Mia, Paul, George, Sam, Tori, and Carly; cherished son of the late Rudolf and Mary (nee Pograjec).  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to The Slovenian American Times, 33977 Chardon Road, Suite 120, Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094.

Upon coming to America at age 18, Rudy attended Our Lady of Lourdes High School and subsequently Kent State University, where he majored in Business. He held many different positions in that field. His proudest business venture was the founding of the manufacturing company, TRV Inc. Being a true patriot of Slovenia, Rudy always supported various charitable causes. Among the most notable were: Supporting Slovenska Pristava and St. Vitus parish, he was one of the founding fathers of the Slovenian newspaper The Slovenian American Times and the founding member and president of the Slovenian/American Council. He made possible and funded Jože Rant’s book The Slovenian Exodus of 1945, which was written in three languages. Recently, Rudy funded a documentary film, “Nebesa pod Triglavom” (Heavens under Triglav), based on his childhood memories and experiences, which depicts the horrors of World War II and its aftermath. The film was shown in Cleveland and on February 27, 2024 premiered in Slovenia, where it received much favorable acclaim and a renewed hope for a reconciliation.                         

Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at St. Vitus Catholic Church 11AM. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Burial following at 2PM at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Rudolf at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) TUESDAY 4-8 PM. Online obituary and guest book at www.dejohnfuneral.com.