Stevan Richard "Rick" Zivic

Dr. Stevan Richard “Rick” Zivic

November 13, 1950 to January 29, 2024

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Stevan Richard “Rick” Živić announces his passing after a brief illness, on January 29th, 2024, in his 74th year.

Rick was granted a peaceful death, painless and blameless; he passed quietly in the arms of his beloved wife whilelistening to the Divine Liturgical recording of his dear “Kosovo” choir.

Rick was born in Akron to (†)Steve and (†)Marie Zivick (nee Stepanov). Rick is survived by his wife Mary, son Aleks (Meaghan), daughter Marina, brother Gordon (Pam), sister Sharon (Mark), brother Jeff, stepson Gregory (Suzanna), stepson Marko (Diane), stepdaughter Julia (Antonio), stepgrandchildren; Aurelio, Felix, and Theia. Rick was loved and will be missed by his nieces and nephews Eric (Elise), Merrily (Jeremy), Ryan, Scott (Courtney), Paul (Katrina), Kerri (Kyle), Caitlin, and Jim. Rick was loved by his great nieces and great nephews, cousins, extended family, Kumovi near and far.

Rick’s gentle demeanor, wide smile, sense of humour, and open heart, will continue to be felt with fondness by his cherished children who were the joy of his life and by his family, numerous Kumovi and friends.

Rick graduated from Tallmadge High School in 1968 and University of Akron in the class of 1972. After graduating from the Ohio State School of Dentistry in September of 1975, Rick practiced Dentistry for 43 years and was loved and known by his patients for his gentle dentistry. He and Mary moved to Florida in 2018 for a well deserved retirement and the joy of hosting family and friends.

Rick was devoted to his service to the Serbian Orthodox Church. Rick directed many church choirs for liturgies, vespers, memorial services and much more throughout the United States, Canada, and Serbia. Rick’s service is a variable “Who’s Who of Choral Singers and Directors”. He was active in forming, singing, and directing choirs in Milwaukee, Akron, Cleveland, and Columbus. He has also been administrator of the S.S.F. Choral Workshop for decades and composed and arranged countless numbers of choral selections for male chorus.

Rick promoted Serbian culture and heritage through the music of the Serbian Men’s Choir, “Kosovo”. As the founding Director of “Kosovo” he was the driving force for starting the choir, in the basement of his home in 1994. They took the name “Kosovo” to honor the memory of the  southern Serbian region, the cradle of Serbian Orthodoxy and culture since before the battle of Kosovo, June 15 (28th), 1389.

His Grace Bishop Irinej presented Rick with the Order of the Holy Despot Stefan Lazarevic, issued at the Bishop’s recommendation by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Rick has been recognized with three Hierarchical Gramatas from His Grace Bishop Christopher, from His Grace Bishop Mitrophan and from His Grace Bishop Irinej.

SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 AT 11 AM AT ST. SAVA SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL, 6306 Broadview Road, Parma, 44134.  V. Rev. Dragoslav Kosic officiating.

Interment Monastery Marcha Serbian Orthodox Cemetery, Richfield, Ohio.

FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE DONALD A FAULHABER FUNERAL HOME, 7915 Broadview Road (at Sprague) on Wednesday from 4-8 pm.  Pomen service Wednesday 7:30 pm