Burlington- Lieutenant Radivoj “Bob” Petkovich, 54, passed away at his home, surrounded with the love of his family, on Sunday, May 18, 2008 following a brave and valiant battle with cancer. Radivoj was born in Negoslavci, Yugoslavia on November 6, 1953 to the late Jovan and Ljubica (nee: Korkutovic) Petkovich. Immigrating to the USA as a young teen, he has lived in Racine since 1968. Bob proudly served our Country with the United States Army from 1972 until 1979. On October 9th, 2004 in Orlando, FL, Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life Lisa May Thomas. Lt. Petkovich has proudly protected our community with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department for the past 29 years. Well done faithful servant – Rest In Peace. When Lt. Petkovich wasn’t working, he loved and cherished being with his family. He also enjoyed taking aimless road trips and cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Redwings. Bob also had a passion for soccer. He excelled both as a player and a coach. Forever living his life with grace and dignity, Bob’s incredible strength and courageous spirit were an amazing inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed. Surviving are his loving wife, Lisa of Burlington; his children, Jovan Petkovich of Milwaukee; Lisa (Jarred) McConnell of St. Paul, MN; Marisa and Nicholas Petkovich; Mitch and Andrew Pirlot, all of Burlington; granddaughters, Milanni and Alanna McConnell; brother, Slavuj Petkovich of Belgrade, Serbia; his extended family of the Racine County Sheriff’s Department; canine companions, Raja, Jack and Hunny; feline friend, Princess and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. Funeral services will be held at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, 2000 W. 6th Street- Racine, on Thursday May 22nd, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Interment, with military and police honors follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday from 4-8 pm and in the church on Thursday from 9:30-10:30 am. In memory of Bob, memorials may be directed to the family, which will in turn be distributed for cancer research. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael P. Mullane and his entire staff for the compassionate care and overwhelming support that was given over the past few years. Also, thanks to all of our family, friends and co-workers for the constant thoughts and prayers during these difficult times. God bless all of you!
Randy Conwell says
Bob was always so enjoyable and caring to be around. The type of individual and deputy, one could depend upon in a crisis, yet such a compassionate man if you ever needed assistance. His sense of humor,quiet,yet bold. Many times he had me crying with laughter, while on the job. A very sincere and strong willed young man. Bob will be sadly missed by many, but forgotten by none. Rest in peace my friend, you’ve earned the time off. God Bless…..
John & Becky Lucci says
Bob was a dear friend of the familys for over 30 years. I met Bob on the Sheriff’s Dept. and we worked side by side until I retired in 2004. Bob was a great cop, serious and funny as a guy could be. I took Bob deer hunting with me to Boulder Jct. WI where he helped me drag out a nice buck we got at the last few minutes of the season. Bob had a great heart as he always helped people off and on the job. My first experience with Bob was when I just started on the Department and he offered to roast a pig for my father in laws retirement party. We all ate like kings that day with Bob being cook and chef.
I would get calls from Bob when he was on third shift for help on serious incidents that would happen when he was working. I knew when Bob called I needed to send out the Detectives to get the work done. My heart goes out for Bob, the suffering he went through and all what his his family had to endure. Bob and I were very close and had a lot of the same thoughts on Police work throughout our careers. We definitly possessed the same traits in the streets. His department lost a great man; the greatest.
God bless his soul!
Mark Parco says
Our deepest sympathies to Bob’s family. Bob was a true friend, a friend that could always be counted on in times of need. Bob displayed tremendous character, always striving to do what was right. He set a fine example for others to follow. We were looking foward to Bob and family moving to Florida, where we could spend our retirement years together. Bob will be deeply missed. We’ll just have to wait a little while longer to see him again. May God Bless Bob and his entire family. Mark & Maddie Parco
Deborah Reis says
Bob was a good man, tolerant and understanding. He was a good police officer and a dedicated family man. My sympathies are with you.
Wayne Spletter says
I would like to send my condolences to Bob’s family. I worked with the Town of Waterford Police Department for 24 years and I knew Bob very well and he was a great friend. We were on many call together and show his professionalism and any time I needed assistance and he was working he was always there. He will be missed by myself and all others that he worked with and came in contact with.
REST IN PEACE BOB