Ante Lisica

1931 - 2026

OBITUARY

Ante Lisica was born on December 12, 1931, in the Dalmatian coastal village of Kukljica, Croatia, the oldest of 6 children to the late Ivan and Ana Lisica. Ante served in the Croatian navy as a young man, where he was assigned cook duty. Unbeknownst to him at the time, this role would shape his future. Coming from a place of economic and political hardship, Ante sought to build a better life for himself and came to Manhattan in 1955, the city he made his home for 70 years. Here he met the love of his life, Marija (Mary) Filipovic, whom he married in 1956. Eager to assimilate and learn a trade, Ante enrolled in English and cooking classes. Although his first job was in demolition, he quickly secured a job at a neighborhood bar and grill where he initially worked as a cook and continued as a bartender until retirement.

Ante had a lifelong passion for cooking. He loved nothing more than sharing meals with his loved ones. His masterful culinary skills inspired his children to make his recipes and share his joy for cooking.

Ante was exceptionally devoted to his beloved wife, Mary. They were inseparable and enjoyed doing everything together. They unconditionally loved each other, inspiring all who encountered them.

Ante and Mary raised 2 children, Diane and John, and have 3 grandchildren, Christine, Emma, and Ava. His children and grandchildren were his greatest source of pride and joy. Throughout their childhood, he often took Christine and Emma to Sunken Meadow, followed by sleepovers at Nana and Dida’s. He spent every summer at the family home in Kukljica, making precious memories with Ava.

Although Ante built a beautiful life for himself and his family in New York, nothing gave him more joy than returning to his first home, Kukljica, with his wife, Mary, in the summers. Here, Ante was reunited with beloved relatives living in and visiting Croatia. He was rejuvenated by the Adriatic Sea and invigorated by the sun, spending hours swimming, sharing meals, and spending time with loved ones.

Ante was devoted to his entire family: his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was the patriarch and heartbeat of the family. He was admired and respected by all for his wise and loving nature, often sought out for guidance and counsel. Ante selflessly never hesitated to help his family, neighbors, and friends. He put his heart and soul into supporting his loved ones.

Ante was a vibrant, energetic, and active man until illness took him unexpectedly at 94 years of age. He is survived by Mary, his loving wife of almost 70 years, his children Diane (Robert) and John (Michelle), his grandchildren Christine, Emma, and Ava, his brother Sime, his sister Zeljka, and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers Zivko and Ljubo and his sister Milka. Ante left a legacy behind in all his children, grandchildren, and family. Our family will carry his memory forward with love and use his life as a source of inspiration to live our own lives.

VISITATION

Friday, January 30

4:00 - 8:30 PM

New Hyde Park Funeral Home

506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

Saturday, January 31

10:45 AM

Holy Spirit R.C. Church

500 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY

ENTOMBMENT

St. Michael's Cemetery

72-02 Astoria Boulevard, East Elmhurst, NY