Angela

Vlacich

Angela Vlacich
August 10, 1928 – January 24, 2026

Angela Vlacich passed away peacefully at home on January 24, surrounded by her family, at the age of 97.

Born in 1928 in Albona, Italy (now Croatia), Angela Vlacich (née Gobbo), was the third of eight siblings. She often reminisced about her childhood, especially those moments spent with her Nonna at the kitchen table, where she learned to make fusi—the family's cherished homemade pasta—always enjoyed with sugo (meat gravy) on Sundays. She carried on that tradition with her own family, establishing a beautiful connection through food that kept everyone close.

Although Angela had dreams of becoming a teacher, her love for family took priority, dedicating herself to the care of her siblings, father and grandmother. From an early age, she exemplified a quiet strength and selflessness that became hallmarks of her life.

Another key early moment of Angela's life, was when a mischievous classmate, her future husband, John "Nini" Vlacich, got her attention by soaking her long braids into his desk's inkwell, an innocent prank that sparked their lifelong bond. Angela and John were the truest of soulmates, sharing an extraordinary 75 years together, navigating life's joys and sorrows, hand in hand. As young parents and refugees from their war-torn homeland, they surmounted the challenges of a new life in America. They settled in New Jersey and worked endlessly to fulfill their dreams together, eventually moving from Hoboken to Cliffside Park. They always cherished their traditions, culture and European family, remaining connected to them with may happy trips back to Europe.

As the matriarch of her family, Angela was known for hosting countless gatherings, welcoming relatives, friends and neighbors with open arms, and lovingly crafting homemade meals and sweets, like her famous cream puffs and lemon swirl cake. She was generous, warm and exceedingly kind. She held her family most precious and was a deeply devoted wife to John, mother to Marisa and Nino, and extraordinarily proud Nonna to her grandchildren Sabrina, Valerie and Nino. She delighted in caring for them and always being present to celebrate everything from the biggest milestones of weddings and graduations to the everyday soccer practice.

As a devout Catholic, Angela held steadfast in her faith, the Holy Mother Mary and the Rosary. After retiring to Toms River, they embraced the shore life, making new friendships, crabbing with their son & grandson and spending treasured time together.

Angela is survived by her son Nino and his wife Jeannine along with grandson Nino John; son-in-law Ray Lohsen; granddaughters Sabrina Lohsen Zahn (and husband Kevin Zahn) with great-grandsons Sawyer and Everett; Valerie Gayol (and husband Steven Gayol) along with great-grandchildren Nathan and Ariel. She's also survived by her sister Josephine Jelcich; niece Thea (and husband Ezio Zanfabro) plus their family; brother Giordano Gobo (and wife Margie); niece Michele (and husband Frank DiIorgi) along with their family; niece Tanya (and husband Joseph Prendergast) plus their family; youngest sister Octavia (and husband Ezio Rajkovic); nephew Alen (and wife Duska) and their family.

She's preceded in death by her beloved husband John, cherished daughter Marisa Lohsen; brother Giuseppe (and wife Elvira); sister Anna (and husband Casimiro); brother Baldo (and wife Anna); brother-in-law Ernesto Jelcich.

Angela is lovingly remembered by the families of her late oldest brother Giuseppe Gobbo—his daughters Lidia, Delia, Anita, Maria—and their families; by the family of her late sister Anna Gobbo—daughter Maria (husband Zelko Rebrina)—and by the family of late brother Vilibaldo "Baldo" Gobo—daughter Violetta's family as well as son Claudio (wife Sharon) and daughter Antonia (husband Albert Colagreco).

Angela's extraordinary legacy continues with her family the in United States, Europe and Australia, however, she will always be remembered for her warm smiling eyes, unwavering faith, tireless energy and deep familial devotion.