Marijan “Mario” Grbac (1945-2025), died in Middlefield, Ohio on January 26, at the age of 79. Mario is survived by his loving wife, Dusana Grbac (nee Spinotti); children, Nerina (Doug) Mazurek, Maria Grbac (John Bucalo), and Sylvia (Ed) Kollar; grandchildren, Michael and William Mazurek, and Ruby and Grace Kollar; siblings, Josip Grbac and Petar Grbac of Lanisce, Istra, Croatia. He was predeceased by his siblings Ivan Grbac and Marija Grbac.
Mario was born in Lanisce, Istra, Croatia, to Ivan and Ivana Grbac. As a young adult, Mario served in the Yugoslavian army. He married his love, Dusana Spinotti on February 17, 1968. They immigrated to Cleveland in 1968 where they built their dreams for a better life and raised their family.
Mario worked in the construction business for several years before forming PGP Construction, a business partnership with two friends. He was a master builder taking pride in the homes he constructed. Mario was an avid hunter – a pastime he shared and treasured with his closest cousins, friends, and especially his grandsons.
Mario and Dusana were a powerful team that inspired hard work, dedication, and love of life.
He was a strong father whose unwavering support will always be treasured. His grandchildren will remember “Dido” as brave and happy. Mario’s greatest strengths were his humanity, kindness, and compassion.
The Grbac family will receive friends from 3:00 – 7:00 PM Friday, January 31st, 2025 at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home, 1000 Mentor Ave., Painesville. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 1st, 2025 at St. Lucy’s Mission Church, 16280 E. High Street, Middlefield, Ohio (Please meet at the church). Burial will follow at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Twp., Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mario’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org
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12 Replies to “Marijan “Mario” Grbac”
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I will always remember uncle Mario,my grandfather big shot brother from usa.
Only the best memories from childhood when he comes to visit Lanišće Croatia.
Marin with Family.
Heartfelt condolences and prayers from all of us. Barba Mario’s beautiful smile and incredible kindness will be so missed.
Heartfelt condolences and our prayers are with you. He was a wonderful man.
Dear cousins,
We will all remember barba Mario as great barba from America, always in our nice memories.
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Dusana and family, our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dušana, my deepest sympathy for you and your family.
Mario was a beautiful soul and he will be greatly missed…
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow for the void that is there.
May his soul travel peacefully to his new destination…
I guess he didn’t die, he only
changed his address 💚
Draga nam Teta Dušana, Nerina, Maria i Sylvia primite našu iskrenu sućut.Mislimo na vas u ovom teškom trenutku.
Sending our deepest condolences. We are so blessed to have met both Mario and Dusana in July 2024.
Our sympathy to Mario’s family and friends. You will be in our healing thoughts.
My dad, Ivan (John) Buzdon really enjoyed visiting with Mario I this past summer while we were in Cleaveland. The two of them shared many stories of the “old” days back in Lanisce.
We are sorry for your loss. May Mario rest in peace.
Dragi naši zrmani primite iskreno saučešće od Marčelji. Bog ga pomiluj
Nase Duboko saucesce
Dusani svima u Familiji
Neka ga Bog zame I podji Mir Bozjzi
Pocivao u Miru
Vlado Zora Uljanic I familija
Our deepest condolences to your family! Mario was a special man I can still remember the stories wild sitting around having lunch with Mario, Branko and Mike when they were building my house. He will be missed!
My Father Frank also shared stories of the old days playing Balinca with Mario and friends.
We are sorry we could not attend services.
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