Obituary of Captain Marko Mladineo
Captain Marko Mladineo, son of Vjekoslav and Mila Mladineo, born October 1, 1935 in Pucisca, Otok Brac, Republic of Croatia, passed away on August 28, 2022 surrounded by his family.
He was a dedicated and cherished husband, father, and “Umpa’. Survived by Anna Citarella, his wife, his 3 children, Melody (Terry Urquhart), Meredith (Richard Lewis) Marko (Charlene Beech) and his 7 grandchildren Ivana and Annika Urquhart-Mladineo, Matthew, Adam and Bradford Mladineo-Lewis, Marekk and Mahayla Mladineo.
His love and devotion to his family was evident in his every act. An ever-present Umpa he was the always available chauffeur, cheerleader, chef, mentor, tour guide of all fire stations, master story teller, and much much more. His 7 grandchildren, his pride and joy, had him wrapped around their fingers in his role as Umpa, one he wholeheartedly embraced and loved.
Marko and Anna arrived in Canada through pier 21, Halifax NS, after marrying in Bari, Italy in 1962. They began their life together residing in Canada’s major port cities, Halifax, Montreal, and Toronto, before settling in Saint John, NB in 1972. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Marko, with his wife established a string of successful stevedoring and agency companies servicing ports across eastern Canada and the US which he operated until his retirement. None of this would have been accomplished without the love and support of his wife.
Marko began his career at sea in 1956 and by 1962 he was promoted to Captain of the SS Bimini, one of the youngest persons to achieve this rank.
In addition, Marko was involved with the Company of Master Mariners of Canada since 1978 as well as a founding member of the Fundy Division Chapter, a supporter of the Sea Farers Mission and an Honorary member of the Dieppe, NB Military Veterans Association.
In 2010 he was appointed as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Croatia for the Canadian Maritimes, a role he served proudly until the end of his 2 terms.
We are blessed with memories, moments of laughter and a role model who inspired us. All that he has instilled is a gift that will last for generations to come through actions and words of wisdom provided. To coin his most recent of a few days ago “when you look in a mirror, remember you are each looking at the image of your parents, grandparents and their parents who passed before – always show respect, be respectful and proud”.
His was a life unparalleled in experiences; always rising above challenges with unbounding resilience and survival instinct. We are beyond thankful, infinitely proud and forever blessed.
Also left to grieve are his siblings in Croatia, Mladenka Plazonic, Tereza Stjepovic, Frano Mladineo (predeceased), Vinko Mladineo, Ivica Mladineo and Nenad Mladineo and their families.
Visitation will be held at Brenan’s Funeral Home (634-7424), 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, on Thursday, September 1st, 2022, from 1pm until the time of the Funeral Liturgy at 2pm. For those unable to join the family in person, the service will be livestreamed via the Funeral Home website.
Donations in Marko’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.BrenansFH.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Captain Marko
Mladineo 1935 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Saint John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
Marko and family, my condolences on the loss of you Father/Umpa. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.