Sreten Milatović

Sreten Milatović, 94, passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 2, 2026, in San Rafael, California. The son of Milan Milatović and Sofia Baranin Milatović, born on August 4, 1931, in Belgrade, he became known as "Stan" after immigrating to the United States in 1957. Strong, healthy, handsome, and fiercely independent until the end, he made life look effortless while inspiring all who knew him.

Sreten lived a rich and meaningful life marked by resilience, hard work, love, and an unwavering devotion to family. In his later years, he was affectionately known to many as "Grandpa Stan” a testament to the deep affection and respect he inspired from all who were fortunate to know him and his heart of gold.

Historical circumstances in his homeland of former Yugoslavia led to Sreten's heart-wrenching but courageous decision to leave his beloved mother, family, and Nikšić, Montenegro, to seek opportunity and independence in America. His family in Montenegro always remained a source of deep love and pride. This journey exemplified the resilience, determination, and strength that would define his character throughout his life.

After becoming a U.S. citizen, Sreten began his American story in Detroit, Michigan, where he started both his career and family. Initially working as a machinist in Detroit, he began a business with his beloved wife, Mary. Together, they built a successful 55-year career as antique dealers in Los Angeles -- sharing a passion for beautiful objects, fine art, and collectibles. After his beloved wife’s passing, his lovely niece Lisa and husband Rod Blackford opened their hearts and home by inviting Sreten to live a new widowed life surrounded by family for over 15 years.

In his later years, Sreten moved to Northern California with his daughter and was very proud of his apartment in the senior living community at Deer Park. He made many friends there, playing cards, exercising, and sharing meals.

Above all else, Sreten was a devoted family man who believed that family was God’s greatest gift, an endless source of love, nourishment, and support. He was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle who, through his example, showed how resilience and hard work could build a dream of freedom, a career, and a family in America. He took great pride in sending both his son and daughter to the University of Southern California. Both attained graduate degrees, Milan in law school and Maya in art history. Sreten became a huge fan of USC Trojan Football and enjoyed games with his daughter and her college friends.

Sreten was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Stojanovich Milatović, whom he married in 1962, and his cherished siblings: Ivan Milatovic, Radna Milatović, and Milena Vojinović. His loving spirit lives on through his son Milan Milatović and daughter-in-law Giselle Rolcha Milatović, his daughter Maya Milatović Bartolf and son-in-law Bruce Bartolf, and his adored grandchildren: Aurora & Alexander Milatović, and Timothy & Owen Bartolf. Sreten was so grateful for the love of his wife’s lovely siblings, who embraced him as family. Sreten also deeply loved his many nieces and nephews in Montenegro and the United States, sharing his generosity, encouragement, and the wisdom of a father.

Sreten's legacy of love, strength, and family devotion will continue to inspire all whose lives he touched. He is profoundly missed and will be forever remembered for showing us that courage, hard work, and love can not only shape a wonderful family but also a very fulfilled and well-lived life.

Sreten Milatović 1931 – 2026