Richard A. Vlahovich Jr
Richard (Rick) Anthony Vlahovich Jr., 57, passed away on January 10, 2024 in Clear Lake, Texas. He was born March 22, 1966 in Tacoma, Washington to Richard Sr. and Betty Vlahovich. He graduated with his Electrical Engineering degree from Gonzaga University in 1988 and soon married the love of his life Mary Carson. The couple moved to Clear Lake, Texas for work and to start their family where Rick was an active member of St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church. Rick and Mary built deep roots in the Clear Lake community and established an amazing group of friends to share life with. Together they raised three amazing children in a house filled with music, laughter, dancing, games and lots of love. Rick had a passion for placing others before himself and always left a positive imprint on the hearts of everyone he touched. His family and friends have endless fond memories of Rick; from cranking music outside as he grilled, to sharing family walks along the Strand in Galveston, to spreading joy and laughter around a campfire. Rick was a thinker, a fixer of all things, and the engineer to Mary’s creative projects. Above all, Rick was a humble, kind-hearted, caring father and husband who deeply loved his family and was a great friend to many. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years Mary Vlahovich of Clear Lake, parents Rich and Betty Vlahovich and brother Jeff Vlahovich of Tacoma, Washington, daughters Katelyn Vlahovich Lau and husband Luke of Dallas, Tess Vlahovich of Newport Beach CA, son Adam Vlahovich of Clear Lake, and many loving extended family members and friends.
A rosary will be held Friday, January 19 at 10:00 am followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 am at St. Bernadettes Catholic Church.
Mary, so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. We will always remember the great times we shared beginning at the South Shore Hotel back in ’95. Take care, and God speed…
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
Psalm 56:3
Dearest friends, there are just no words that can express how very sorry we are in the loss of your precious Rick. Friends are hard to come by these days but you two were very, very special in our lives. May God bring you comfort when you feel sadness, may He wrap you in strength when you feel weak, may He guide your hand when you are lost. We will be here for you when you need a friend for support, a shoulder to cry on or just to sit and be at peace. All our love always, Doug, Renee, Christian and family
Cousin Rick was a true inspiration in my life as I followed in his foot steps to becoming an engineer and also going to Gonzaga. He became my brother when my brother Vince passed away at a young age. He was a mentor to me growing up and yes there were those crazy Rick times with fast cars and loud music – but that’s what made Rick so enjoyable. We always laughed when we were together. I enjoyed the times when our families got togetherTexas. These memories I will always cherish and will never forget. Please, Rick say hi to your cousin Vince in heaven for me!
Mary, I am so very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. We have many fond memories of him with us at GU. We know your hearts are broken and words can’t express the sadness of your loss. Rick will be greatly missed. May Christ give you comfort and peace🙏
Love,
Nan & Tim
I was saddened to hear the news of Ricks passing. I was in shock and could not comprehend that I would never see him again. I was mad at myself for not keeping in touch over the years since college. Time just slipped away between building a family, work and just surviving what life throws at you. It makes you look back and take stock of what really makes one happy and full filled in life.
Some of the happiest times in my life were spent with Rick sitting in our Madonna dorm room at Gonzaga. The sun would be shining in the window and Rick would have the boom box blasting tunes. We probably should have be doing homework but this was much more enjoyable. We would sit for hours talking about cars, life and what the future would be like.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Mary, his family and those that cared about him. I will be praying for you and your love ones.
Mary and family… I am so so sorry to hear of Ricks passing. It was such a shock to see this obituary. I am truly sorry for your loss.
The service today was beautiful.
Your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.
Mark, Janna Erik and Kirsten
So shocked and truly sorry to hear that Rick had passed, as I’m sure many are. He was a great father, husband, and man that will be truly missed. Our prayers are with the Vlahovich family during this difficult time. God Bless
I’m so broken. I just found this out 9 months later😢 Rick was my best friend and locker partner all through high school. All my best memories of childhood are with Rick. Even though we hadn’t spoken in a long while, too long…I always considered Rick one of my best friends, and longed for the day we would get to meet again and reminisce. Rich Betty Jeff Mary Katelyn Tess Adam I send my heart felt condolences. I hope you are able to find peace of heart and mind someday. I will be trying to get in contact to express my condolences in a more personal manner. Rick was truly one of the good ones! Left an amazing legacy! I’m sad to the core:/