Fred Matthew Vukovich

1939 - 2024

Fred Matthew Vukovich

July 13, 1939 - October 19, 2024

Wake Forest, North Carolina - With heavy and grateful hearts, the family of Fred Matthew Vukovich, 85, shares the news that he passed away peacefully in his sleep next to his loving wife of 58 years, Nadine, at their home in Wake Forest, NC, on October 19, 2024.

On July 13, 1939, Fred was born in Chicago, IL to Croatian parents who immigrated from Austria. Growing up, he enjoyed being a newsboy and golf caddy; going to Chicago Cubs games; and attending family gatherings at St. Anthony's Hall and the Croatian Club in South Bend, IN. He also loved his mom's chocolate cake and going to the Riverview Amusement Park with his dad. His deep Catholic faith was nurtured at St. Gertrude's parish and Loyola Academy High School.

He left home to pursue the American dream at age 18. He attended Parks College of Aeronautical Technology, earning a Bachelor of Science degree (1960) in Aeronautics. He then earned a Master of Science degree (1963) and his Ph. D. (1966) in Meteorology from St. Louis University by the age of 26. In 1966, he accepted his first research job at the newly formed Research Triangle Institute (RTI) in North Carolina.

From the start, he loved his chosen profession. He was thrilled to be involved with the first studies in the U.S. to use satellite-tracked drifting buoys along the Gulf Stream to study ocean circulation, technology that is now used regularly to forecast weather, especially hurricanes. He established the first non-governmental weather satellite receiving station in the U.S. on the RTI campus.

During his career, he led atmospheric modeling projects in air pollution, weather, and global climate studies. In 1992, he joined Science Application International Corporation (SAIC) as Chief Atmospheric Scientist. He helped SAIC win nearly $1 billion in atmospheric research contracts, leading him to work with NASA, NOAA and the Department of the Interior on projects. He mentored and taught at Duke University, William and Mary, N.C. State, and UNC-Chapel Hill. While he published over one hundred articles before retiring in 2013, he was most known for his passionate technical talks and excitedly sharing his discoveries at conferences and with his kids, who often listened in wonder. When reflecting on his scientific career, Fred described his work as "a small piece of the puzzle."

He met and fell in love with Nadine while attending St. Louis University. They married on July 2, 1966 in St. Louis. Their fifty-eight year marriage was remarkable, especially in how they always loved and respected one another. Fred thoroughly enjoyed dancing with Nadine, dipping and dizzily twirling her at weddings and parties. Together, they shared a sense of adventure for traveling. They were also seriously devoted to creating a loving home for their children and grandchildren.

Fred was dedicated to his family, including his children Jeff, Rob, Mark and Amy. He was the rock that they all turned to for steady advice and loving encouragement. He was a big kid himself, known to start surprise snowball fights and hide chocolate cookies from the rest of the family. He took special joy in teaching his sons fix-it projects at all hours of the day and night. He taught them to live modestly and to cherish the people around them. He and Nadine ensured that their children got a Catholic education. When they were grown, he took pride in how much his children continued to love each other.

Fred had a love for basketball which he played in high school and college. In 1972, when his wife volunteered him to coach the first boys' Our Lady of Lourdes basketball team, he accepted the volunteer position for seventeen years. He enjoyed coaching hundreds of boys, including his three sons. Coach Vukovich felt privileged to coach OLL to their first Shamrock Invitational Tournament title in 1980 and many conference titles. He treasured his coaching days, especially for the friendships forged with all the OLL parents and fellow coaches. Until the end, he loved catching up with them and his former players.

He relished holidays, making them more fun with elaborate Easter Egg hunts for his grandkids, Christmas singing and secret gift-giving. His humor will be sorely missed during those times. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather who truly had a way of making each family member feel like they were the most important person in his life. He always listened and gave thoughtful advice to them.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Nadine; his sons, Jeff (Jennifer) Vukovich and Mark (Joy O'Keefe) Vukovich; his daughter, Amy (Jeff Meyer) Vukovich; and his grandchildren, Emma (Dillon) Keeler, Caroline Vukovich, Jane Vukovich, Jill Meyer and Keenan Meyer. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Robert Vukovich; his brother, Luke; his sister, Fran; and his parents.

In celebration of his life, a Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, at 10:30 a.m., St. Catherine of Siena Church in Wake Forest, NC. Arrive early for Words of Remembrance starting at 10:20 a.m. Reception follows Mass at family's home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network)) at PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org" target="_new" rel="nofollow">https://PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org in honor of Fred.