Momcilo "Gabbo" Gavric

After a long battle with illness, Gabbo Gavric joined his wife, Varja Gavric, peacefully in his sleep at the age of 71. He is survived by his four sisters: Obrenka, Dobrila, Bozidarka and Stanka, and his two sons: Ivan and Igor.

A native of Sinj, Croatia, Gabbo obtained his education at the University of Belgrade in 1963 while simultaneously being a first team regular from 1959 to 1967 for first division side OFK Beograd. In 1967, Momcilo was offered an opportunity to come to the United States with the inception of professional soccer in America. His Oakland Clippers went on to win the first ever championship, with Gabbo being an all-star. While a member of the Oakland Clippers, Gavric played against many world renowned clubs; Santos of Brazil during Pele's era, Manchester City, and Fiorentina. The Clippers folded in 1969; Gavric signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a placekicker, becoming the oldest rookie in NFL history. In 1971, Gavric won the NASL championship with the Dallas Tornado again being recognized with all-star honors. He later played for and coached the San Jose Earthquakes. He earned co-MVP honors of the first ever NASL indoor soccer championship in 1975 and later coached the Earthquakes to their best NASL season in 1976.

Upon leaving coaching in 1978, Gavric remained in the area, becoming a well-known successful insurance agent until his disease forced him to leave the business in 2004. He spent numerous years playing and coaching in the peninsula league, and spending time with his two sons who he did everything for. Gabbo was always proud of his family, and his sons always thought world of their father.

A longtime resident of Scotts Valley, Gabbo enjoyed taking walks at Vine Hill School and spending time at the ocean. To know Gabbo was to love him and his kind heart and warm smile will be truly missed.

Services will be held on Friday, March 19th at 1:00pm at Oakwood Memorial Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road in Santa Cruz, where Gabbo will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife. Following will be an onsite reception. Flowers may be sent to: 470 Sugarloaf Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.