John L. Viculin Death – We lament the passing on December 5, 2023, of John L. Viculin, 82. On April 24, 1941, John was born in Chicago, IL, to Kastel Luksic-born Croatian immigrants John and Milka Viculin. The family moved to San Pedro in 1947, when John was six years old, after operating a well-known flower shop on Chicago’s south side. Throughout his life, John placed great emphasis on learning, Croatian history, and music.
John attended Loyola Marymount University to study history after graduating with honors from Mary Star of the Sea High School in 1959. He briefly attended UC Berkeley School of Law before coming back to Loyola Marymount University in 1966 to complete his master’s degree. John began a decades-long career in education after discovering his purpose. Before taking a position as assistant principal at Rolling Hills High School, John was an English teacher at Airport Junior High School.
When Ocean View High School was established in 1975 in Huntington Beach, he served as its first principal. His career was further enhanced by his 1981 Gahr High School Principalship. In 1986, John went back to teach English and yearbook at Haskell Junior High School, where he remained until his retirement in 2004. For nearly forty-five years, John relished the pool parties and strolls on the beach with his neighbors in Huntington Beach. Because of his passion for Croatia, he embraced the culture by spending summers with relatives along the Dalmatian Coast.
John loved his heritage and enjoyed going to Croatian barbecues and celebrations around the United States. Like his father and uncle, he enjoyed playing the tamburitza and singing. The Klapa Group, Tamburitza Band, and Mary Star Croatian Choir were all impacted by John’s kind donations. Apart from his studies and musical interests, John had a passion for Croatian cuisine. He relished lunches at the San Pedro club, where he would welcome people with genuine warmth and impart impromptu lessons about history.
Everyone who was acquainted with him will miss his charming smile, captivating anecdotes, and empathetic demeanor. His surviving family members include his brother Jordan (Mary Ann) Viculin, nieces Lynn (Eric) Schenk and Susan (Brendan) Kremer, great-nieces Lauren, Jordan, and Allison Kremer, great-nephew Jared Schenk, and numerous close friends. On Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in San Pedro will host John’s memorial service. I hope his soul is at peace.