Kosta Divic

Kosta Divic, known to many as “Kenny” and lovingly called Djedo by his family, passed away April 8, 2026. Kosta was independent, strong-willed, and never afraid of hard work. Life didn’t come easy for him, but through endurance and sacrifice, he found purpose in everything he did.

Born on October 8, 1927, in the small village of Ponikve—then Yugoslavia, now Croatia—Kosta was the eldest of ten children. His early life was shaped by war, responsibility beyond his years, and limited formal education. He trained as a carpenter, served in the military, and ultimately made the courageous decision to escape a communist country in pursuit of freedom and opportunity, like so many others. He fled and eventually arrived in Paris, France, where he reunited with Smilja, known to many as “Sally,” who also escaped independently with her friend, Simica. Their reunion was not the end of hardship, but the beginning of a partnership. They married, endured the heartbreaking loss of an infant son, navigated a new language, and patiently waited four years for an opportunity to come to the United States.

In 1961, sponsored by his dear uncle and family (Milosh Divich), Kosta and Smilja immigrated to the United States with their young daughter, Nada, two suitcases, and no knowledge of the English language. Their family grew in their new homeland with the birth of a second daughter, JoAnn. What followed was a lifetime of hard work, perseverance, and quiet contribution with Smilja. Kosta asked for nothing he did not earn and took pride in providing through his own effort. He built not only with his hands, but with example, which showed his family that effort and responsibility will serve them well.

At home, these values were lived daily. Each year, Kosta and Smilja tended a large garden, canned vegetables, and embraced the fruit and nuts their property provided, an extension of the land they left behind and a reflection of their discipline and self-reliance. Their home was a place of tradition and hospitality, most notably during the celebration of their Slava, when they welcomed family and friends to honor their patron saint, St. Nicholas. Kosta also made his own wine and slivovica, which he shared generously, offering not only what he produced, but the time, labor, and pride behind it. He built furniture, was a jack-of-all-trades, provided carpentry- and construction-related services, and owned and maintained rental properties.

For many years, Kosta and Smilja devoted themselves to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in North Canton, where Kosta used his carpentry skills to help build the church iconostasis and supported the community in countless, often unseen ways—from church projects to serving tirelessly at events by helping in the dish room and where needed. Together, they also gave generously to family, churches, and meaningful causes in their homeland.

Kosta shared 67 years of marriage with Smilja, raised his children with high expectations, and became a grandfather and great-grandfather whose influence will be felt for generations. The hardships he endured before immigrating to the United States were the foundation of the life they built. Together, he and his wife gave generously in every way they could—through hard work, financial support, and constant care—always putting family first.

Kosta is survived by his beloved wife Smilja (Sally); daughters Nada Tournoux (Greg) and JoAnn Breedlove (Tom); grandchildren Justin Tournoux, Seton Vinsand (Cameron), Brigid Tournoux and Bernadette Tournoux; Ian Breedlove, Noah Breedlove, and Grace Phillips (Dalton) and great-grandsons Wesley and William Phillips; he is also survived by three siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Simo, seven siblings, and many dear Kumovi, family and friends.

Services will be held on Friday, April 17th at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in North Canton, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. and funeral service at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by Lamiell Funeral Home, who is entrusted with the arrangements. Prayers, condolences, and messages of comfort may be shared at: www.lamiellfuneralhome.com, as the family gives thanks for a life exceptionally lived.