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Andrew Viscovich Obituary
9/25/1925 - 10/6/2015
Dr. Andrew John Viscovich passed away peacefully on Oct. 6, 2015 at St. Joseph Hospital, Stockton, Ca. at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Elena Wong Viscovich, son Randal Viscovich of Rancho Mirage, daughters Andra Viscovich Johnson (Dr. Daniel Johnson) of Fountain Valley, Alison Wong Bertsch (John Bertsch) of Lodi, grandsons Ian and Sean Johnson, granddaughter Zoe Sue Bertsch, Julia Viscovich and family of Dublin, Ca., Frances Buratovich and family of Sebastopol, Ca., Judy and Sue Card of Henderson, Nevada, Peter Viscovich (Jean) of Lincoln, Ca. and Kenneth Viscovich (Mary) of Modesto, Ca. He is preceded in death by his brother John Peter Viscovich and his parents Peter and Lucy Razovich Viscovich of Oakland, Ca.After graduation from Oakland Technical High School in 1943, Andy joined the Navy during World War II and served as a radioman and then an officer. He earned his B.A. and Doctorate of Education from the University of California, Berkeley, and his M.A. and teaching credentials from San Francisco State University. Andy's love of learning and teaching became his passion. He served as a teacher, principal, central office administrator and finally the Associate Superintendent of the Oakland Public Schools. He worked with racially diverse students and communities to improve learning and to build trust. Subsequently, Andy held superintendent appointments in Garvey School District in San Gabriel Valley, Palm Springs and the Berkeley Unified School Districts. After retiring in 1991, the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction appointed Andy as the State Administrator of the then bankrupt Coachella Unified School District to bring them back to fiscal responsibility. Later, he was a consultant for the Marriott Corp. focusing on school facility planning and services.
In 1990, King Juan Carlos of Spain awarded him the Knight of the Civil Order of Merit. The rank of "Don Andreas" or "Sir Andrew" was bestowed for facilitating the sojourner program in California.
Andy was a member of the Oakland Archdiocese Board of Education, the Croatian Scholarship Fund Board and the Berkeley Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He was active in the Rotary Clubs of Palm Springs, San Gabriel Valley and Berkeley and served on the Executive Boards of their YMCA and United Way organizations. He regularly attended the S. F. Commonwealth Club, enjoyed flying ultralight aircraft and engaging in stimulating conversations. He was a loyal Oakland Raiders fan and, most of all, he took pleasure in spending quality time with his family.
A celebration Mass will be held at Presentation Church, 1515 W. Ben Holt Dr. Stockton on Thursday 10/15/2015 at 2pm with a reception to follow.
Visitation will be held at DeYoung Shoreline Chapel 7676 Shoreline Dr. Stockton on Wednesday 10/14/2015 from 10am - 5pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in his memory be made to St. Joseph Hospital of Stockton, Croatian Scholarship Fund, and/or Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
Please sign guestbook at www.deyoungchapels.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Viscovich
Sponsored by DeYoung Shoreline Chapel.
Kathy Bertotti-Araujo
June 20, 2018
I have recently returned to the Bay Area after years away, and I am so sad to here of Mr. V's passing. I was a student of his at E. Morris Cox school in the 4th and 5th grade, and I adored him. He was such a fabulous teacher. My all time favorite. The world is a sadder place without him. I will never forget his pet phrase for when we accidentally slammed the classroom door - "You dropped your watch!" My deepest condolences to his family.
Mirjana Rabui
March 18, 2016
Dear Aunt Elena,
accept my apology why I only now reporting. Your entire family to express condolences over the departure of beloved uncle Andra. He was a very positive person in our family, what unfortunately is no more.
Our father Roko erkovi left us 07.12.2015. year. It was a great loss to me and my brother Nicholas.
Aunt Elena, if you travel bring in Dubrovnik please contact us, we keep you entertained.
Mirjana Rabui and Nikola erkovi
Frances Chin
December 17, 2015
Eleana, I do no know if you remember me. I heard about the death of your husband from a mutual friend of ours, Brenda Choye Roh, who used to work at the Board of Education on 2nd Avenue, Oakland. We attended Sunday School at the Chinese Presbyterian Church on 8th Street in Chinatown, Oakland, and I knew many of the gals from the Ming Quoong Home. You and I used to take the bus home after school to the Upper Broadway Terrace area of Montclair, where I lived as a Mother's Helper. I was attending Oakland High School then.
I dated your first husband Steve Wong. I married Stanley Gim (now Chin), and I have been trying very hard to find you. We used to talk about what you and I would be when we grew up. Wow, you have a doctor's degree! After Cal, I went to Merritt College, and became an accountant at East Bay Municipal Utility District, retiring 16 years ago. I just became published as the author of "Lemon Drops: A Bittersweet Memoir," a story about my immigrant mother and about my childhood growing up in Oakland and then attending U. C. Berkeley. I met Stan and we married 54 years ago. During our early years, you and Steve came with Alison to visit, along with Doug and Darnell.
Anyway, if you so incline, please contact me. We now live in Rossmoor at 2200 Golden Rain Rd #3, Walnut Creek, CA 94595. Our phone no. is (925) 818-0456. My email is: [email protected]. I would love to hear from you. I am sorry for the lost of Andrew and offer you my condolenses.
France Fong (Gim) Chin
Christine Babb Steigerwald
October 27, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. I was a student of Mr. Viscovich at E.Morris Cox school for fourth and fifth grade (1954-55 and1955-56). He was my favorite teacher and a role model. I remember the stories he used to tell us of his experiences in the service. He sparked my interest in teaching. In 1970 when I went to work for the Oakland Unified School district I met him again at the district orientation meeting and was able to tell him of his influence on my career choice. I knew he had gone to Stockton, but lost track after that. I taught elementary grades 4, 5, and 2 for almost 40 years in Oakland. I have always told people that the reason I taught was because of Mr. Viscovich. This month at our Castlemont reunion there were 12 former students from his 4th and5th grade classes. We talked fondly of the time in his classes.
Kim Woo
October 21, 2015
I am saddened to hear the passing of the man whom I have always had admiration for; he was one of the smartest man I've met and worked for. As a young teacher, he inspired me to be generous and forward looking. He coined the phrase, "Garvey is the Greatest;" no one since has given Garvey more than he did. Dr. Wong, my fond memories of a beautiful woman with incredible inner strength, please stay in good spirit and good health.
Jackie Souza Anderson
October 18, 2015
I'm saddened for your loss, Elena. Andrew Viscovich was my favorite teacher at E. Morris Cox(4th and 5th grades).He was a great teacher. I remember his little car. I've thought about him over the years, and wondered where he was. I wish I could have seen him before he passed.
Martha Ryce Sullivan
October 16, 2015
Andrew Viscovich was one of my all-time favorite teachers (4th and 5th grades at E. Morris Cox Elementary School in Oakland/1955-56). He inspired us to love learning and challenged us through interesting and exciting methods and experiences. He was a tough but fair task-master, and we all loved him. I had the added benefit of his being my swimming instructor a few years later, and I can still hear him yelling, "C'mon, Martha, pour it on!" What wonderful memories his family must have, but that means that they will miss him all the more. My deepest sympathies.
Kurt Handshuh
October 15, 2015
What an amazing life and man! Our sincere condolences to his son, Randy Viscovich and the entire Viscovich Family from your brethren at Palm Springs Masonic Lodge #693.
October 15, 2015
Dear Elena, sorry for the loss of Andy. He's been a good buddy and a good man. We will miss him. If there is anything I can help please don't hesitate to call me. -Jose Bernardo-
Diane Walker Echols
October 15, 2015
Andrew Andy Viscovich was my fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at E. Morris Cox Elementary School in Oakland during the mid-1950s. I have always felt very fortunate to have had him as a teacher. Classmates I have spoken with at reunions also rate him as a favorite. He was an inspiring teacher who shared his enthusiasm for learning in exuberant, creative ways. He made school fun, albeit hard work, through games like Scramby-Amby, projects such as ecology dioramas and state research, field trips to Berkeley Farms, the Oakland Museum, the Wells Fargo bank in San Francisco to see an authentic stage coach, and a tugboat ride from Jack London Square. In addition to imparting a love of learning, he helped us build self-confidence, and he taught us through his example the importance of fair-play, diversity, and respect for others. He'll always be alive in my memory.
Mike and Annette Keebler
October 14, 2015
To Elena and the Viscovich Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Andy was an outstanding educator, leader and friend. He will be missed, but his significant actions will be remembered by schools throughout the State and Nation.
Tony Garcia
October 14, 2015
Dear Elena, Hilda and I send you and the entire family our deepest sympathies. Ever since our first meeting when I was elected to the Garvey School Board in the early 80's, Andy found ways to provide this young at the time Chicano activist teacher sound counseling, even when I didn't want it. But the sound advice Andy provided did stick and it has helped me ever since. I'm going to miss Andy's emails and his stories when we'd talk over the phone. I will miss most his friendship because it was the kind that stood by you when times were tough. I'm reminded of that ending scene in the Robin Williams movie, where students hail their teacher with the line from Walt Whitman's poem, Oh Captain, My Captain RIP Andy
October 14, 2015
We should take comfort in the many years of friendship, wisdom, and quick wit that Andy brought to every occasion. It will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Elena. Love, Fred and Joan Bateman
Irene Obera
October 14, 2015
Sorry for your loss! He was a good man and will be missed by many. He
ived his life to the fullest helping and giving to others.
Ken Camp
October 13, 2015
Andy was a square shooter! He worked hard at making things better for children & the people that he worked with. Education will miss his leadership!
Ken Camp
Janet Chin
October 13, 2015
May your cherished memories of Dr. Viscovich comfort you at this time. His signature is on my 8th grade promotion certificate. The Garvey school community thanks him and his family for his years of service to our students and community.
October 13, 2015
Dr. Viscovich was an outstanding educator. It was a pleasure and honor to work with him.
Bruce Conrad Davis
Steve Lowder
October 13, 2015
Andy was a great friend and mentor. Connie and I remember fondly our times at the USAA meetings. He will be missed. God Speed good friend.
October 13, 2015
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Viscovich's passing, but remember him as part of my 40 years experience in Berkeley High School. Dr. Viscovich was always pleasant, smiling, and calm, a hard thing to be in the chaotic history of Berkeley Schools. My best wishes to his family, who I read have carried on his legacy of achievement and positive contribution to society. I am better for my having met him, brief as it was.
Larry Lee, Berkeley Federation of Teachers, retired Math Staff member, Berkeley High School
Celia Ruiz
October 12, 2015
Elena and family, I am an attorney practicing in the area of Education Law and got to work with Dr. Viscovich when he was at Berkeley Unified School District. We were working on a number of high profile complex cases of statewide importance. Dr. Viscovich provided exemplary leadership and demonstrated acute appreciation for the interplay between the law and the public policy at issue. He demonstrated great intellect and leadership. I have worked with many superintendents during my career and Dr. Viscovich stands out as one of the best. He will be sorely missed. Celia Ruiz, Berkeley, CA
Jacinth Cisneros
October 12, 2015
Elena and family,
I want to thank you for letting Ed and I know about Andy. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Andy had such a powerful impact on so many students, parents, teachers, and administrators. He will be missed by all.
Jas and Ed Cisneros
Anita Waldron
October 11, 2015
Elena and Family,
Andy was a gift to both public and private education. His work, commitment and achievements continue to live on.
Love and Prayers, Anita Forese Waldron
June & Lester Bond
October 11, 2015
Elena and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss.
Nancy Mazoros
October 11, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of Andy's passing. He has been through so much these past few years that I'm sure he is finally at peace. Elena, I hope you are ok and I will call you soon. Love Nancy
Vicki Chambers
October 11, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ned Buratovich
October 8, 2015
Dear Andy, my dad looked up to you so much that, from the time I was a young boy, I had great admiration and respect for you. When mom and I visited you and Elena last, back in March, you told stories I had not heard before, about your dad, how he courted your mom with his fancy car, how he worked so hard and was so generous to family. You talked about your brother, John, and how you actually were his teacher in school. I'm so glad we made time for that visit. Mom and I sang you Happy Birthday over the phone for your 90th. Even when feeling poorly, you were, as always, gracious. You were such a good man, successful in so many ways, yet down to earth, compassionate and so supportive of family. You will be greatly missed. RIP
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