Ivan Vinkovich

Ivan Vinkovich, 92 of Dover, OH passed away Friday, April 28, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones at Community Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia, OH.

Ivan was born on June 10, 1930 in Bentleyville, PA. He was the son of the late John and Anne (Cizmek) Vinkovich, and was preceded in death by his brother Donald Vinkovich and sister, Frances (Frank) Dochentz. Ivan is survived by his wife of 70 years, the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Florence L. (Bertocci) Vinkovich whom he married on December, 27th 1952.

Ivan was a Bentleyville High School class of 1948 graduate, studied engineering at Penn State, and later graduated in 1953 from California State University-Pennsylvania with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He later did post-graduate work, further studying industrial engineering at Pittsburgh University and the University of Tennessee. He rounded out his education by studying the quality systems of ISO 9000. Following his graduation from college Ivan served three and a half years in the Navy (Air) as a lieutenant during the Korean War, the last two years in the last of the Navy Seaplane Squadrons, in Panama and earned his Electronics Wings. He graduated in 1953 from Naval Officers Candidate School. He was always extremely proud of his military service. Following his military service, he worked in the steel industry in various engineering and managerial positions, including eight years as the general manager of the Empire Detroit (later AK Steel) steel plant in Dover, OH. Following retirement from AK Steel after 27 years of service, he became a consultant for the University of Akron, Kent State University and Stark State for over 15 years.

Ivan was a member of the American Iron and Steel Institute, various local Dover organizations, and St. Joseph Catholic Church of Dover, OH. Throughout his life he enjoyed boating on Lake Erie, fishing, playing tennis, watching his grandchildren as they grew up, and as an avid sports fan, watching basketball (Cleveland Cavaliers).

Ivan will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched. Ivan is survived by his wife Florence L. (Bertocci) Vinkovich; sons Dr. Craig (Anne) Vinkovich of Brecksville, OH, Richard (Diane) Vinkovich of Dearborn Heights, MI. Grandchildren Dr. Derek (Kristen) Vinkovich, Tommy (Holly) Vinkovich, Katherine (Tyler) Carlton, and Michael Vinkovich; great grandchildren, Harper Vinkovich and Theodore Carlton; sister-in-law Barb Vinkovich. Many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 6th starting at 11:00 am in the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover with Fr. Jimmy Hatfield officiating. Interment will be at the St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery, Dover where military honors will be conducted by the New Philadelphia VFW. The family will be greeting friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 am. The Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover is handling arrangements. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Ivan may do so by visiting the obituaries link on the funeral home’s website.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to the Ukrainian Relief Fund at unicefusa.org