Newbury, Ohio - Ilija "Eli" Sapic, 84, of Newbury, Ohio, passed away Sunday afternoon, Nov. 23, 2025, in University Hospital Geauga Medical Center, Chardin, Ohio.

Mr. Sapic was born Oct. 10, 1941, in Malicka Vrgnmost, Yugoslavia, a son of the late Maxim and Ljubica (Loncar) Sapic and he came to this area in 1957.

He was a 1961 graduate of Farrell High School.

Following high school, he moved briefly to New York, and moved to Cleveland, where he worked for the railroad and owned and operated a restaurant. Eli was then employed for more than 20 years as an assembler and election on hydraulic machines at Van Dorn, in Cleveland, Ohio. Ultimately, he finished his working career as a landlord.

Eli loved being outside, especially with family and friends. Additionally, he looked forward to attending classic car shows.

Eli was a member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Hermitage, and also attended St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Parma, Ohio.

His wife, the former Daroslava "Dara" Kojic, whom he married in St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Farrell, Sept. 20, 1969, passed away June 16, 2023.

He is survived by two sons, Peter Sapic and John Sapic, both of Newbury, hio.

In addition to his parents and wife, Eli was preceded in death by two sisters, Kata Vignjevich and Draginja Cica; and two brothers, Ljuban "Lou" and Mirko Sapic.

SAPIC

Ilija "Eli," 84, Newbury, Ohio.

Calling hours: 10 a.m. to noon Friday (11-28-25) in St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 65 S. Keel Ridge Road, Hermitage.

Service: Noon Friday in the church, with Rev. Vedran Grabic, officiating.

Interment: St. John Orthodox Cemetery, Hermitage.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Arrangements entrusted to J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.