Nicholas Beritich

Obituary Nicholas Andrew Beritich Sr. 9-21-31 to 12-13-12 "Papa" Born and raised in Tacoma, Nick attended St. Patrick's school and was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Church where he served as an altar boy through grade school. He attended Bellarmine High school where he graduated in 1950. While attending Bellarmine, he served under Monsignor Noonan as an altar server and he competed in football and track. In 1950, Nick was named shot-put city champion. Nick was very proud of his Croatian heritage and his family commercial fishing business. In 1957 he took a hiatus from the fishing business to join the Tacoma Police Department where he served as an officer and a "Wagon Master". He received the Medal of Merit and commendations during his years with the department. Injuries caused Nick's early retirement. In 1974 he went back to commercial fishing. Nick met his wife LaDonna in 1948. They were married in 1952 which allowed them 60 wonderful years of marriage and many blessings. Nick kept busy with his 9 children; Nicholas Jr, Joel (Lisa), Christopher (Lorraine), Elizabeth Parks, Evie Gronzo (Kevin), Tina Beritich, Kathy Joyner (Josh), Nicole Marsland (Rich), Ted (Lynette) and 18 Grandchildren; Marquelle (PJ), Cara, Jordan, Ian (Lynnsea), Collin, Alyssa, Tova, Ashley, Jared, Jasmine Hayes (Derek), Kyle, Andrew, Kelcie Vogt (Nick), Christopher, Paige, Connor, Jacob, J.T., and 3 great granddaughters Mara, Gracelyn and Scarlett. Nick is survived by his loving wife LaDonna, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and brothers Tom (Nancy) and John (Kathy). Nick is also survived by Sister in Law Judy Scalf and nephews Randy (Shirleen), Jim (Wanda), William and nieces Michon, Brenda (George) and Theresa (Rob). He is preceded in death by his parents Jenny and Kuzma Beritich, his sister Marie, step son Pete and his best friend Bob Anderle. Papa loved cooking and was a great baker. Holiday meals were his specialty. You could almost always find him in the kitchen cooking for his small "army". His loud voice and infectious smile will be greatly missed by his family and many friends that loved him so much. The family would like to thank the staff at Tacoma Lutheran Home for all their loving care of Nick. Also, Dr. Lawrence Schwartz for the wonderful care he gave him. A Rosary will be held Sunday, December 16, 2012, 7:00 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, December 17, 2012, 11:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. In the words of Nick..."Let's go Pilgrim" Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003