Sreten Milatović

We sadly announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Sreten Milatović, 94, on February 2, 2026, in San Rafael, California, after a brief illness. Born August 4, 1931, in Belgrade to Milan Milatović and Sofia Baranin Milatović, he became known as "Stan" upon immigrating to the United States in 1957. Strong, vibrant, and fiercely independent until his final days, he lived a long healthy life with a grace that made life's challenges appear effortless while inspiring all who knew him.

Sreten's life was defined by resilience, dedication, love, and unwavering devotion to family. In later years, he was cherished by many as "Grandpa Stan", a testament to the deep affection he inspired in all fortunate enough to know his generous heart.

Political upheaval in his homeland of former Yugoslavia led to Sreten's courageous decision to leave his beloved mother, family, and Nikšić, Montenegro, in pursuit of opportunity and freedom in America. Though his family in Montenegro remained a wellspring of love and pride throughout his life, this journey exemplified the resilience and determination that would become his hallmark.

After becoming a U.S. citizen, Sreten began his American story in Detroit, Michigan. He built a beautiful life—first in Detroit, then Los Angeles where he and his beloved wife Mary shared a passion for beautiful objects, fine art, and collectables. Together they built a successful 55-year career as antique dealers. Following Mary's passing in 2001, his niece Lisa and her husband Rod Blackford graciously welcomed Sreten into their home, where he lived surrounded by love and family for over 15 years.

In his final years, Sreten moved to northern California to be near his daughter and took great pride in his apartment at Deer Park senior living community. He flourished there, making friends through card games, exercise classes, music, and shared meals. This independent life brought him tremendous joy and satisfaction. At 94, Sreten was a pillar of health: medication free and working out daily in the gym, walking on the treadmill, and lifting weights.

Above all, Sreten was a devoted family man who believed family was God's greatest gift. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle whose example demonstrated how resilience and hard work could build a life of freedom, success, and family in America. He took immense pride in sending both his children to the University of Southern California, where after graduation Milan went on to law school and Maya earned a graduate degree in art history. An enthusiastic USC Trojan football fan, Sreten treasured game days with his daughter and her college friend, Rosa Bravo.

Sreten was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Stojanovich Milatović and his cherished siblings Aleksandar Milatović, Dragica Ratković, and Nadežda Stanojević. His loving spirit lives on through his son Milan Milatović and daughter-in-law Giselle Rocha Milatović; his daughter Maya Milatović Bartolf and son-in-law Bruce Bartolf; his adored grandchildren Aurora and Alexander Milatović and Timothy and Owen Bartolf. He was grateful for the love of his wife's siblings who embraced him as family, and he deeply cherished his many nieces and nephews in Montenegro and the United States, offering them his generosity, encouragement, and fatherly wisdom. He found his nieces and nephews to be a tremendous source of love and pride.

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

Rest in peace, Grandpa Stan. You made life look effortless while inspiring us all.