Stephen Michael Perkovac

Stephen Perkovac was born on 10/5/1927 in Yugoslavia to Leonka and Joseph Perkovac. He lived there until World War II when his family emigrated into Austria, then Germany in the early 1940’s. While in Germany, he met and married his first wife, Herta. His first daughter, Evelyn was born in Munich, Germany. It was Stephen’s dream to come to the United States and in the early 1950’s, he, his wife and daughter traveled by ship and then by train to San Diego, CA. His parents joined him in the US. He and Herta had three more children, Irene, Gary and Christian.
Stephen had gone to school in Europe to be a dentist. When he came to the United States he worked a number of jobs, including as a dental technician. He enjoyed talking to people and helping with their problems which lead him to return to school and obtain BA in Social Welfare and a Master’s in Social Work. He enjoyed being a mental health therapist and teacher, working for such organizations as, Family Service Association, California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego County Mental Health and private practice. He retired from this profession in the mid 1990’s.
Herta Perkovac passed away in 1993. He and Sylvia, a family friend began dating and they married in 1995. Sylvia and Stephen enjoyed many interests in retirement, including traveling and having parties with friends. While Stephen had always enjoyed music and playing the piano, he had his “third” career as a pianist, both as a volunteer to many retirement communities and as a professional, playing in public venues. Sylvia recently passed away in 2018, prior to Stephen’s passing.
Stephen was very connected to his family and enjoyed his time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He embraced his children with his first wife Herta, and their families, as well as his his second wife Sylvia’s son and his family. Stephen is remembered for his willingness to help people in times of crisis, for his talent and love for music, and for his optimism and humor.
Services for Stephen Perkovac
Tues: June 26th, 2018 10:00 AM
St Martin’s of Tours
7710 El Cajon Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942

Reception following the Mass
Contact Irene Becker at msibecker@gmail.com