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1932 Ante 2018

Ante B. Cibilich

March 12, 1932 — January 15, 2018

Ante Cibilich died peacefully on January 15, 2018 at the age of 85. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years Anka Štuk Cibilich. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and brother and is survived by his daughter Paula Bilich (Ivo), his son Anthony (Alice), his seven grandchildren: Luke, Jonathan, Anna, Anthony, Nicholas, Katherine, and Jacob, and his two sisters Terica Selakovic and Frances Pivach. Ante is preceded in death by his parents Pave and Božo Cibilić and his siblings Ante, Luko, and Vjeko. Ante’s American dream became his reality. Born and raised in the small fishing village of Duba, Croatia, part of the former Yugoslavia, Ante aspired to provide a better future for himself and the family he would one day have. As a young man, he applied to immigrate to the United States but did not receive an immigration visa. Eventually, Ante married the love of his life Anka Štuk from a neighboring Croatian village. Within months after marrying, Ante finally received approval of his petition to enter the United States and immigrated here from Yugoslavia in 1961 with no money, no family in the city of New Orleans, and no knowledge of basic English. Upon his arrival in Louisiana, Ante found work as an oyster fisherman and, subsequently, at Hooley, Inc. Because his wife Anka had not yet received authorization to come to the United States, she was forced to remain behind in the communist country for an entire year. When she subsequently arrived in New Orleans, the couple enrolled in English classes which they attended at night after working their full-time jobs. While the couple was still living in a small garage that had been converted into a studio apartment, they had their first child Paula. Ante learned to drive and eventually bought a car after years of commuting on the streetcar and bus lines. Having a car meant that Ante could move out to the suburbs and the family could finally own their own home. This would provide some much-needed space as the family was expanding. Four years after their first child was born, Ante and Anka had a son Anthony. Their family was complete. After working at Hooley for several years, during which time Ante was promoted to the level of supervisor, he left the company to venture out on his own. Owning a business in communist Yugoslavia would have been entirely out of the question. Here, in the United States, Ante was able to pursue his own ambitions. In 1974, he opened C & C Machine and Manufacturing, LLC. As a tireless and hard worker, he skillfully grew the business with his wife and his children working there by his side. He continued to work at C & C until the last days of his life.Although Ante was committed to his work, he was even more devoted to his family. He was a dedicated, faithful, and loving husband. Ante instilled valuable principles of integrity, honesty, kindness, and respect and a formidable work ethic in his children. He was incredibly proud of both of them as well as his seven grandchildren. During his last days, he always had a smile for them as he held their hands in his. Ante never forgot from where he came. He was always quick to assist those needing help in his company, in his local area, and even his birthplace. Even when he had very little himself, Ante continued to make civic and religious contributions to his village in Croatia. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the funeral Mass at Christ the King Church on Wednesday, January 17 at noon. Interment will immediately follow at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Gretna, LA. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick: 5001 Perlita Street, New Orleans, LA 70122-1999. MOTHE FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may view and sign the online guestbook at www.mothefunerals.com .
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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

10:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Christ the King Catholic Church

535 Deerfield Rd, Terrytown, LA 70056

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