Josip Radotić

RADOTIĆ, Josip

June 20, 1938 – July 1, 2025

With broken hearts, the family of Joseph Radotić announce his peaceful passing at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice on July 1st, 2025 at the age of 87. Predeceased by his beloved wife Zora (July 18, 2020), he leaves behind his loving daughter Nevenka (Nancy) Radotić and his son-in-law Glenn Cheam. Proud Dida of Valerie (Adam Finch) and Meagan Cheam (Julia Gordon). Loving Pradida of Christina, Rachel, Bradley and Blake Finch. He also leaves behind his five nieces and nephews -  Đurđica, Josipa, Marija, Miljenko, Stipica and their families in Croatia and his cousin Zora Brbot and her family in British Columbia as well as close friends in Montreal and Toronto.

Joe was born on the family farm in Brinje, Croatia, youngest son of Josip and Marija Radotić. He lost his father at the tender age of 14 and his mother just two years later at 16. His sister Marija (Mica) took care of him after that and he left Brinje to go to Sisak. At the age of 18, the night before he was to report for his mandated army duty, he and some buddies took a chance and crossed the countryside, landing in a refugee camp in Austria. He spent a year there and crossed the great ocean for a better life in Canada, arriving in Quebec City in April of 1958. A good-looking, charming man he worked hard on his trade of being a carpenter and was popular and friendly to all. There was a special someone that captured his heart while in Austria and although he chose Montreal as his final destination and she chose Hamilton, the heart would not be denied and he eventually ventured over to Hamilton to find her and claim her as his own. Zora and Joseph built a beautiful life - 60 years together – how he missed her these past 5 years.  They raised two children – Nancy and Steven, in Montreal, where they lived until 1978. From there they moved to Hollywood, Florida and ran a mom and pop motel. Retiring in 1995 took them all over the Caribbean, back to Croatia and many times to Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. Illness hit Joseph in 2017 which resulted in them returning to Canada so that Nancy and her family could take care of them.

He was a charmer and would strike up a conversation with anyone, anytime. Joe loved to party and be surrounded by people. Wine, beer and rakija flowed freely, music played all the time. Proud of  Zora's voice, he'd always asked her to sing - “Hajde zapjevaj jednu ljepu!” She would oblige with a smile and her hand caressing the back of his neck. Joe was not always perfect – he could be stern one moment, tender the next. His family was his everything. Joe adored his Neni and would give her anything she asked for - good thing Mama was there to be the logical one! Always 'daddy's girl' it took a bit to accept Glenn, and despite their rough start, in the end he could not have asked for a more loving relationship. His granddaughters - Vavie and Megie were the world to him. He was the Dida that showed his love with actions more than words. He had such immense joy over his “penguini” as he called his great-grandchildren. Sunday dinners were just a little dimmer if they did not come.  He even managed to con the kitchen staff at the home to give him cookies every Sunday, so that he had something special to give them. Watching them play in the pool was a favourite pastime.  He was always interested in the foster pups that Meagan and Julia gathered in their home, but fell in love with their chihuahua Sierra -  whom he quickly nicknamed 'lille one'- even having her visit him in hospice.

Words cannot express our gratitude to the staff at Stonehaven Manor over the last 7 years. Both Joe and Zora had such a hard time and everyone was so patient and kind.  Special thanks to Melanie and all the nurses from the Dialysis Unit in the Queensway Carleton Hospital. Our hearts will never forget. Finally his last 6 days with the staff and volunteers at Ruddy-Shenkman – thank you so very much. You made his last his days so peaceful.

Jozo never forgot his roots - proud until the end to be called a Lićan - the last of his generation. He will be sorely missed. Puno te volimo Tata i nikada nećeš napustiti naše misli. Počivaj u miru Božjem. Poljubi mamu i zagrli je.

The family will receive condolences on Friday, July 25th, 2025 at Alan R. Barker Funeral Home, 19 McArthur Ave., Carleton Place, ON. K7C 2W1  from Noon – 2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:30 in the Chapel. Internment will follow at Highland Park Cemetery; 2037 Mcgee Side Road, Carp. Reception to be held at 179 Country Lane Drive, Carleton Place. Donations can be made to Hospice Care Ottawa, C/O Ruddy Shenkman Hospice, 114 Cameron Ave, Ottawa, ON K1S 0X1

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