John Vicich

John Vicich, 85, of Old Bridge Township, passed away peacefully at his home, with his family at his side, on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Born on the island of Krk in Croatia, he was raised on both the island and in the city of Rijeka, Croatia. He came to the United States in 1961 and lived in Brooklyn, New York until settling in Old Bridge Township in 1969. For more than 60 years, he worked as a draftsman, architectural designer and estimator for Midhattan Woodworking Corp. of Old Bridge. He was well-respected and admired by his peers in the industry for his knowledge, experience and dedication. John retired in November 2024.

John was a proud Croatian man who deeply loved his family.  Throughout his life, he spent a considerable amount of time on the soccer field, where he played as a semi-professional player, coached semi-pro and youth-level soccer, including in Old Bridge, where he was a founding member of the youth leagues.   In addition to playing and coaching, John was a licensed referee and avid spectator of the game at all levels.

When John was not on the pitch, he enjoyed spending time outdoors gardening and cultivating fruits, vegetables, and making his own wine; figs were his favorite.  He loved to travel, especially with his wife and family, visiting the beaches in the Caribbean, cruising on ships, but especially returning to the Adriatic Sea in his homeland of Croatia.

Predeceased by his parents, Josip and Maria Vicic, he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Vicich; his children, Tanya Iandiorio and her husband, Anthony and Michael Vicich and his wife, Marni; his siblings, Smiljka Marinac and Mladen Vicic, and; his grandchildren, Ciera, Marc, Trevor and Mila.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Spotswood Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Spotswood, NJ 08884.  Funeral services for John will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, beginning with an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Gabriel’s Historic Church located at 549 Route 520 (Newman Springs Road), Marlboro, NJ 07746, immediately followed by entombment at Saint Gabriel’s mausoleum. 

In lieu of flowers, donations honoring John’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.