Obituary of Mitar Damjanovich

DAMJANOVICH- Mitar “Mike” Damjanovich, age 75, beloved husband of Danuta “Donna” Opalach Damjanovich of Seymour, died peacefully on November 21, 2015 at Griffin Hospital with his family by his side. Born in Yugoslavia on November 12, 1940, he was the son of the late Milo and Ivana Zeklevic Damjanovich. Mr. Damjanovich was orphaned at an early age and was raised by his grandmother in Montenegro, part of the former Yugoslavia. He served in the Yugoslavian Merchant Marines and fled his communist homeland when he was granted political asylum by Senator Thomas J. Dodd in the United States in 1964. Settling in the valley, he resided in Derby and Ansonia before moving to Seymour in 1980. Mr. Damjanovich worked as a plumber for the Black and Decker Co., formerly of Shelton for 31 years, until the time of his retirement in 1999. Known throughout his neighborhood for his magnificent garden, Mr. Damjanovich would generously share his garden’s bounty with all. As an avid card player, he and his buddies would enjoy Friday evenings sharing in spirited conversations, laughs and dozens of Dunkin Donuts while at the poker table- a tradition he passed onto his sons and oldest grandson who now enjoy Sunday evenings spent this way. A fan of the UCONN Huskies, NY Mets, Jets and Knicks, he could also be found watching these and other sporting events with his family. He treasured children, animals (especially dogs) and considered his home his sanctuary where he will be long remembered for his special love for his wife and family. As a father, he accepted his children for their uniqueness and individuality, always encouraging and supporting them to follow their own path with his guidance ever present. In addition to his beloved wife of nearly 49 years, he is survived by his devoted children, John (Barbara) Damjanovich of Seymour, Dajana Damjanovich of Oxford, Milo Damjanovich of Oxford, and Ivana (Robert) Sinclair of Seymour; cherished grandsons of whom he was so proud, John, Jr. and Robert Damjanovich, both of Seymour; as well as several nieces and nephews abroad. He was predeceased by his sister, Joke Bajkovic and uncle, Steve Damjanovich. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 8:00 AM from the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia. A Funeral Service will be held in Three Saints Orthodox Church, 26 Howard Avenue, Ansonia at 9:00 AM. Interment will directly follow in Mountain Meadows Cemetery, Seymour. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, from 4 to 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Spooner House, 30 Todd Road, Shelton, CT 06484. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com. Special thanks to the kind and attentive staff of Griffin Hospital who cared for Mr. Damjanovich and his family in his last days and for many life events.