Spasoje 'Sam' Nikolovski's Obituary
In Honor of Spasoje Nikolovski
1939 to 2024
Spasoje (Spaso/Sam) Nikolovski was born on May 25, 1939, in Janciste, Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic).
Spasoje ascended into heaven peacefully on October 17, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother, Vasilka (Nedelkovic) of Prizren, Kosovo; father, Milan Nikolic of Drajcici, Kosovo; wife, Mirjana of 60 years; and eldest daughter Tatjana.
Sam was one of 7 children, first and only daughter: Grozda (eldest), followed by 6 sons: Rade, Cene, Angelo, Srecko, Spaoje and Djore (youngest). He earned a degree in Agriculture and served in the Macedonian Army. After marrying the love of his life, Mirjana in 1963, they had their first daughter, Tatjana.
In 1969, the new family immigrated to The United States of America in search of building the American Dream. They accomplished this goal with not only successful businesses, but also building their home and growing their loving family.
They also opened their doors to Tyler, their grandson (of Tatjana), and helped raise him as a son for the better part of his childhood. He spoke fondly of how proud he was of, “Oh, my boy, my Tyler.”
Spaso adored his family, and having the privilege to be surrounded by much of his family in his final years was as much a blessing to him as it was for those closest to him. Spaso loved his son-in-law, Boban, and enjoyed sharing stories with Maya and Michael about “the old country.” To them, he was Tato and Dedo. Tyler, Michael, Maya, Delanie and Emily not only admired their Dedo, they had deep and meaningful connections to him that will not end now that he has passed.
The true honor of a man isn’t what they’ve done, but who they’ve influenced and impacted; and Spasoje’s character, morales, word and passion, lives on.
His is survived by his middle and youngest daughters; Nancy and Rijka (respectively); son-in-law, Boban; 5 grand-children: Tyler Richardson, Michael Milovanovski, Maya Milovanovski, Delanie Morgan and Emily Testerman; as well as 4 great-grandchildren: Haven, Jack, Ellis and Owen Morgan.
Spaso, to his family, was known as “Tato” (dad) or “Dedo: (grandfather). The home he built for his family was open to those he loved and cared for most; and this was exemplified by welcoming his brother, Rade’s daughter, Zorka, from Macedonia when she was only 17 in hopes of also living and thriving in America.
Spaso had a smile and laugh that was contagious and a personality that was warm, kind, humble and carefree, but was juxtaposed with a cutting direct correction when he disagreed. A sign of a true man is one who stands by his convictions.
Spaso’s love for his wife, children, son-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was unparalleled. He had a sharp and quick wit and was genuinely adored by those who had the privilege of knowing him. He was honest, genuine and loving, and his absence in this world is only softened knowing that the values he and his wife instilled in their family and friends lives on.
Spaso was intelligent and meticulous in his hobbies. He had a passion for watchmaking and clock repair; he once gave a gift to Riste Simnjanovski when he was only 10 years old, a manually wound Zenith military pilot’s watch; that generous gift sparked Riste’s passion for watchmaking that continues to this day.
Spaso loved cooking, antiques that reminded him of simpler times, but most importantly, he loved sharing stories of growing up in a different time.
We, as an adoring yet saddened community, take honor in knowing that he now sits in the Kingdom of Heaven and awaits us all.
His impact on the lives of so many will never be forgotten, and his passing, while the end of an amazing life, is only the beginning of what is in store for him now. He is smiling down on us from above, knowing his legacy will live on.
Thank you for taking the time to remember Spasoje; if you are reading this, rest easy in knowing that he loved you as well.
**If you have images or stories you would like to share, you can upload them here: https://www.alhiser-comer.com/obituaries/Spasoje-Sam-Nikolovski/#!/TributeWall
A video memorial is linked below for individuals who could not attend the service; note there are multiple links for family and friends overseas:
Link Option 1: https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=f1d69845-b85a-487a-b8cf-3e9b20025b3e&sbid=3466
Link Option 2: https://calbaptist.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/Spasoje+Video+Memorial+2024/1_fmueecys
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