Nicholas Banovac

1943 - 2025

With sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Nicholas Banovac.

Nicholas was born to Juan and Ercelia (Rosales) Banovac. He immigrated from Chaco, Argentina in 1960 to live with his Aunt Ana (Banovac) and Uncle John Lucich. With their care and help he was able to learn English, graduate high school, become a US citizen, and pursue his future.

In 1968 he met and married Stane who was visiting Watsonville from Croatia. Together they built a life and were able to obtain the American Dream. They worked hard to save so they could travel to visit family and maintain family connections.

For 37 years, he worked as a shipping clerk and retired from Indalex Pacific Extrusion. His life was full of friendships he created throughout the years. He spent many years supporting the Croatian Adriatic Club and the Elks Club. He touched people's lives through his wonderful sense of humor and ability to have a good time. He built a life on his own choices, following through with his responsibilities and obligations with love and support. In his earlier years, he enjoyed golf, snow skiing and weekend trips to the lake. He instilled in his children life-long skills of working hard, perseverance, and courage. He took time for friends and family, and taught us the art of homemade prosciutto, a good BBQ, and a great steak. We always turned to him to ask questions and seek opinion. He was always the first one to nurture and support our individual endeavors.

He leaves behind his wife of 56 years Stella (Stane), his two daughters and their families, Leslie and Hank Wempe, and Nichole Banovac and her partner Adam Cota; grandchildren, Henry Wempe, Nicholas Wempe, Paisley Cota, and Noah Cota. He is also survived by his sisters Ana Socha, Maira Marinich, Catalina Banovac, all in Argentina. Numerous nieces and nephews and their families, his cousins in the United States, Argentina, and Croatia, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Ercelia Banovac; brother, Juan Banovac; niece, Noelia Banovac; nephew, Panche Socha; and grand-nephew, Sebastian Socha.

For a few years he had been suffering from amyloid, a heart issue that prevented him from continuing the life he once knew and loved. He had a wonderful team of doctors that worked hard to help him through the health challenges he faced, while his life was filled with unconditional love and support. He passed away from complications due to congestive heart failure. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, 2401 E. Lake Avenue in Watsonville. Mehl's Colonial Chapel has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Stanford Medicine-Cardiovascular Health Fund or any charity of your choice.