Velimir Petrov, age 46, after a year long battle with cancer, passed away peacefully at his Seabrook home on Saturday, October 3, 2015. He was born on December 21, 1968 in Ruse, Bulgaria, to Velimir and Milena (Rabcheb) Petrov. Ruse is on the Danube River and in his youth, Vili and his friends would swim a mile or so across the Danube to visit Romania for a day of relaxation and fun. After graduating from high school, he served three years in the military, driving large trucks and preparing for the Olympics. Communist politics kept him from rowing for Bulgaria in the 1988 Olympics. In 1990, when Vili was 21, he came to the States and became a true American success story. He learned English in three months and made a living as a painter, roofer, bartender and tow truck driver. He then discovered he had a knack for finding car deals and started what turned out to be a successful business refurbishing cars. Just as in business, in his personal life, Vili was outgoing, but never shy with his words. You always knew what he thought. He could be very convincing as well and even talked the family dentist into running the piñata filled with sugary candy at his son’s birthday party. Vili was extremely strong and enjoyed weight lifting, sparing, karate (black belt) and rowing. He had a rare combination of strength and stamina and in a single skull, he could beat a 4 person and sometimes a 8 person rowing team. He also had great hand eye coordination and could beat almost anyone at ping-pong with his trick serves and spin moves. He remained involved with the kids schooling and activities and taught George to drive before being bedridden. He is survived by his son, George; daughter, Tita; Mother, Milena; Sister, Luba; a niece, nephew, and cousins. Family, friends, and others whose lives Vili touched are invited to the Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main Street, League City, from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday October 10, 2015 to reminisce and celebrate Vili’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family.