Nikola Sorak

Nikola Milan Sorak passed away on June 13, 2025. He was born in Sarajevo on January 29, 1933 and is predeceased by his wife, Katica Sorak, nee Markovic. He is survived by his children Daniel and wife Jennifer, Lillian and husband Minh, and Philip and wife Christina, and his grandchildren Mia, Anya, Nicholas, Kai, Ani, Jude, Andrew, and Teo.

Nick met his wife Katica (“Katcha”) in Belgrade in 1954 where they bonded over mutual affection and shared interests and goals. In 1957 Nikola graduated from the University of Belgrade with a degree in electrical engineering. The following year Katcha graduated from medical school. In 1961 they married and left Yugoslavia on a tourist visa, never to return as citizens.

They settled in Chicago where they were surrounded by the friends they had made on their journey to the USA and in the local community. Nick worked at Zenith where he helped develop color television cathode-ray tubes, then taught Electrical Engineering Technology at Purdue University from 1968 until his retirement in 1995, and continued to stay in touch with many of his students throughout his later years. He was a founding member of the Serbian Academic Club in Chicago, a cultural and philanthropic organization. Nick’s generosity and willingness to help others was a hallmark of his personality.

He was passionate about the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, bicycling, traveling, and golfing. He adored his family and loved to talk with his grandchildren. In his later years he enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles with a beloved companion. His enthusiasm and humor touched everyone around him, and his sense of adventure was infectious. Nick was the life of the party and will be missed by all who knew him.

May his memory be eternal - vječnaja pamjat.

All Services are Private.

Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church ( https://serbianchurch.org ) or Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park ( https://fpvsp.org ).