Volcho Petkov

Volcho Petkov, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 in Park Ridge, IL, surrounded by family. Volcho was born August 28, 1933, in Kula, Bulgaria to Yoncho Petkov and Mika Petkova. He enjoyed a childhood on his family's farm where he spent time with his older sisters, his grandparents, and his father. At 16 years old, Volcho fled on foot to Yugoslavia as a political refugee. Through months of hardship and hard work, he was able to finish secondary school. From there, he was brought to Italy by the United Nations, where he went to trade school and earned his certification as a First Class Auto-Mechanic. In 1954, he immigrated to Chile, where he found success as a teacher in a mechanic school in the capital. In 1960, while living in Santiago, Volcho met the love of his life, Clara. In 1964, they courageously left Chile to begin a new life together in the United States, in pursuit of the American dream. They were married that same year. Volcho and Clara raised their children, Milka Petkov and Ivan Petkov, in the West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. Volcho supported his family by working for the Automobile Mechanics Union for many dealerships across the Chicagoland area. The family later moved to Niles in 1983, and have been residents ever since. Volcho always said that there are 3 things that can never be taken away from you: your name, your religion, and your education. He built his family on these principles, and always had a piece of wisdom to share with his children and grandchildren about life, politics, education, and especially cars. Volcho was dedicated to building a better life for his family, and encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue the highest possible education. Inspired by Volcho, his grandchildren promise to remain curious, pursue hard work with integrity, and never lose sight of what they truly believe in. Surviving Volcho is his wife of 61 years, Clara Petkov; his 2 children, Milka (John) Kyle and Ivan (Christine) Petkov, and his 6 grandchildren, Elizabeth Kyle, Maria (fiancée Mason Meredith) Kyle, Emma Kyle, Isabel Petkov, Claire Petkov and Anna Petkov. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ivanka and Jonka. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave. in Libertyville. Funeral services and interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at St. Sava Monastery and Cemetery in Libertyville. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.