OBITUARIES

He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Rose Vlaic; siblings Joseph, John and Goldie Vlaic; and nephew Stephen Vlaic. Philip is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joyce Vlaic; his favorite sister-in-law, Ann Vlaic (Car); niece, Michelle Browning (Vlaic); great-nieces Madison and Makenzie Browning; as well as much-loved relatives in California, New York, Massachusetts, Florida and Pennsylvania.

Due to the pandemic, Philip’s memorial Mass and internment are pending. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to support the charity closest to your heart. If you prefer, your contributions may be made in the memory of Philip Vlaic to Unbound Scholarship Fund , at 1 Elmwood Ave., Kansas City, KS 88103, or online to unbound.org.

Philip Vlaic 1933- 2021

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included catechist, choir member, altar server, Eucharistic minister to the homebound, Christian service and prayer ministry. He was a daily communicant at Holy Family Church in Leisure World and a member of the Parish Prayer Group. On his 84th birthday, he was delighted to be presented with an Honorary Doctor of Biblical Studies Degree.

In retirement, Phil enjoyed traveling with Joyce. During their numerous trips, he became wellacquainted with his new in-laws in New York, New England and Canada.They cruised on ships and paddle boats; explored Hawaii, Alaska and the islands of the Caribbean; the Mississippi, Hudson, St. Lawrence and Snake rivers; and sailed around Denmark, stopping to sample life at each town along the coast.

He was proud to twice visit his parents’ homeland of Croatia, viewing the pristine beauty of the Dalmatian coast and experiencing the Slavic culture and customs. He was especially grateful to have the opportunity to complete three pilgrimages—to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, to the Vatican and cathedrals of Italy; and to the Holy Land, praying in the birthplace of Christianity.

Phil relished his 19 years of Leisure World life. He was a regular at the GAF Hospitality Room, swapping stories on a daily basis. He served as president of the Slavic Club, and was an active member in the Theater Club, the Enter Laughing group and the Italian Club. For a number of years, Phil assisted with Holy Family Church’s Sunday Afternoon Bingo Social. His income tax experience enabled him to work in the GAF tax program. In his spare time, he supported Joyce with her church and community service projects.

Philip was a man of prayer. He is remembered for his generosity, his strong faith, his kind heart, his gentle spirit and his valiant, patient struggle, facing the daily challenges as a 14-year Parkinson’s patient. He now rests in peace in his heavenly home.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to the amazing staff members of Living Well Home Care and Alamitos Belmont Rehab Hospital, who provided outstanding care, assistance and comfort every single day of Philip’s illness. They are our heroes. They hold a place of awe and respect in our hearts and are remembered in our prayers.

Philip Vlaic went home to God peacefully on March 12 in Long Beach at Alamitos Belmont Rehab Hospital with his wife, Joyce, at his bedside.

Phil and Joyce sponsor Angel Gabriel Gonzalez, an eager student at his school in Mexico, through the program Unbound. Philip was especially grateful for his prayer heroes Christian and Claudia Barreto, and their children: Fiorello, Santiago and Joseph.

Philip was born in Chicago, moved to San Pedro with his family as a toddler and attended Barton Hill Elementary, Dana Junior High, San Pedro High School and Harbor College. He graduated from Pepperdine College, where he earned a BA degree in business and a lifetime teaching credential. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school, served four years in Germany, then returned home to complete his education.

Phil taught several years in the ABC School District, while moonlighting at the harbor as a longshoreman. Eventually, stevedoring became his life’s work. He was a member of the ILWU, working alongside his father and two brothers, first as a longshoreman, then as a foreman. Phil and Joyce wed in San Pedro at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, where they began their faith journey. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the Catholic Church. An ardent student of Sacred Scripture, he participated in Bible classes for over 50 years. His ministries in the church