Vlade “Walter” Parojcic, 64, of Mount Prospect, owner of Reliable Installers and VIP, Inc., partner of TP&L Associates, died of cancer Friday, September 21, in VITAS Hospice Center, Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village. Born and raised in Bosnia, Vlade completed his schooling as a cabinetmaker in Dubrovnik, Croatia. As part of his apprenticeship, he earned high praises for his work in many local restaurants, private homes, and the Bishop’s residence. In 1956, Vlade and three friends escaped from Communist Yugoslavia, sailing across the Adriatic Sea to Bari, Italy. He relocated from the UN refugee camps to Canada and later joined his oldest brother, Nikola, in Chicago. Once in the U.S., Vlade built on his skills as a craftsman, learning the office supply and equipment business at Marshall-Jackson. True to his independent spirit, he soon struck out on his own, starting his own businesses in 1970 and 1976, respectively. Always eager for a new challenge, in 1989 Vlade joined four long-time friends in founding TPK&L Properties, Inc. He actively served as a company officer as well as managed all day-to-day operations of their commercial warehouse property until its’ sale in Decmeber, 2000. He enjoyed his work and the friends he made through it immensely. Despite the demands of self-employment, Vlade found time to enjoy gardening, world travel and completion of several major home improvements. He shared the good fortune of his life by giving generously to various nonprofit organizations. Vlade will be remembered by all as a beloved husband, loving father, good neighbor and great friend. Survivors include his wife, Joan, nee Jakes; his daughter Eve; his brothers Simo, Sekula (Jele), and the late Nikola (Wilhelmina), Mirko, and Jovo; his sisters Sava (Jovo) and Milica; and nieces and nephews. Please join with his family in celebrating his kind and generous spirit at a Memorial Visitation, Sunday, September 30, 1 to 3 p.m. at Olson/Burke-Sullivan Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 6467 N. Northwest Hwy. (1 blk. North of Devon) Chicago. In lieu of flowers, please make an honorary donation to a charity of your choice. For info: 773-774-3333.
