Ivo Baskovich, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, at his home in San Pedro, California. He was 88 years old.

Born on August 22, 1937, in Makarska, Croatia, to parents Josip and Anka, Ivo grew up alongside his brothers, Ante and Marin, and his sister, Marija.

He worked on a farm in his village, then served as a cook in the Croatian army for a couple of years. His small town provided limited education and opportunities. So in November 1963, Ivo came to the United States with the help of his uncle in pursuit of opportunity and a better life. He married the love of his life, Mary, on July 28, 1964. The two began their married life in Torrance before purchasing a small apartment building in San Pedro in 1969, living in the front unit with their two young sons, while renting the back two. In 1976 they moved to the South Shores area of San Pedro and a year later settled into their longtime home on Morse Drive, where they created 48 years of memories together.

Ivo always believed that if you’re willing to work hard, you can provide a good life in America. He spent 55 years as a technician at Vacuum Atmosphere Manufacturing, retiring in 2020 at the age of 83. It was important to him that he be able to provide his sons with a college education and with opportunities he didn’t have, and he helped launch them to their own success.

Even outside of his career, he was never one to sit still. After purchasing a second apartment building in Torrance in 1987, he spent his free time handling plumbing, painting, and doing repairs, taking great pride in maintaining his properties. He even painted for friends and family, being constantly sought out for his high quality work. Ivo enjoyed working in his yard and garden, growing the most exceptional and abundant fruit and vegetables.

In his retirement, Ivo found joy in his daily routine. He loved taking long walks, driving to check on his apartments, and tinkering in his garage or the backyard shed, inventing and building gadgets. Above all, he cherished the times he could relax with his family, particularly enjoying cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico with his children and grandchildren, and visiting Croatia with Mary and with his family.

Ivo is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary; his sons John (Jean) and Mark (Yvonne); and his five grandchildren, Justin, Ryan, Danielle, Brooke (Colin), and Paige.

He was a man from a simple upbringing who worked hard every day of his life to build a wonderful life for his wife and family. He will be remembered always and missed deeply, and his legacy will carry on.