Velimir Lucic

This obituary is in memory of Velimir Lucic, age 45, who was born October 5, 1978, and passed away on January 2, 2024. Velimir was born in Zenica, Yugoslavia. As a child, he experienced the violent breakup of Yugoslavia and the civil war in current Bosnia and Herzegovina. During this time, he was molded into a strong and giving young man and was a source of security for his family. In 1994, he and his family escaped Zenica to seek refuge in Herzegovina. He would later attend seminary school in Split, Croatia. Soon after, however, he would meet his future wife and marry in 1998. Velimir and his wife, Valentina, arrived in 2000 to the United States as refugees. From there, his second life would begin as he received US citizenship, settled in Cleveland, Ohio, and would go on to raise three beautiful daughters: Michelle, Diana, and Valentina.

Velimir was an excellent businessman and a very outgoing, energetic personality. His successes can be attributed to his determination and his will to provide the most he could for his family. He loved with his whole heart and lived his life to the fullest. Everyone who came in contact with him knew he was a man of honor and integrity. He loved to make people laugh and loved to host - treating even strangers on the street like they were his lifelong friends. He always made others smile and brightened up every room he was in.

Velimir was well loved by all. He was respected by his community so much that his name can be seen engraved in the sidewalks of Cleveland. In his lifetime, Velimir has also met innumerable international celebrities. He was well known by singers, actors, producers, and politicians alike. He has cooked for and hosted US presidents, he has received vast numbers of professional athletes at his clubs and restaurant, and he created lasting connections and friendships with all he came in contact with.

His wish is to be buried in Grude, Herzegovina, where his family members are buried. Although he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on forever. Velimir's history and legacy will be forever known and discussed due to the positive impact he has had on millions of people and the love that fueled his success in his personal and professional life.

His memorial will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at DeJohn Funeral Home at 28890 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills (between Bishop Rd & Rt. 91). The memorial gathering will start at 2:00pm and will be followed by a military honor at 3:30pm. After the memorial, Mass will be offered at 6:00pm in St. Paul's Croatian Catholic Church at 1369 East 40th Street, Cleveland, 44103.

He will live on through the lives of Dijana (mother), Valentina (wife of 25 years), Michelle (daughter), Diana (daughter), and Valentina (daughter).

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the family or to this link: https://gofund.me/e7a00ae1

Arrangements by Golub Funeral Home