Dr. Radiša “Raša” Radonjić, MD, 88, of Riverside, Illinois, peacefully passed away in his home and was reunited with the hands of Christ on May 2nd, 2026. 

Radiša was born on May 13th, 1937, in Subotica, Srbija, to Marija (née Josić) and Borivoje Radonjić. 

Prior to his immigration to the United States, Raša completed his medical degree at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine. He came to the US in May of 1967, and married his wife, Borka (née Jolović) Radonjić on August 11th, 1967. He worked at Good Samaritan Hospital, Downers Grove, IL, for over 35 years, being Chief of Anesthesia for the majority of his career. He treated his patients with compassion and dignity, dedicating years to their service. He retired at age 76, spending the rest of his beautiful life surrounded by friends and family. 

Raša was deeply rooted in his Serbian Orthodox beliefs, belonging to the Holy Resurrection Church of Rosemont, IL. He delighted in family time, whether treating them out to dinner or partaking in late-night tablić battles. He also enjoyed his daily walks around the block and occasionally indulging in rakija. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren, playing chess with them, teaching them to drive in Lake Geneva, and slipping them pieces of candy before dinnertime. In addition to his beloved Riverside home, he also enjoyed spending the winter months in his Daytona Beach condo. 

Raša is survived by his beloved wife Borka “Boki” Radonjić, treasured sons, Miloš and Nenad Radonjić, adored daughter, Vera (née Radonjić) Jiotis, and loved daughter in law, Biljana (née Djurdjic) Radonjić. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Nataša Radonjić, Danica Radonjić, Ariana Jiotis, Christopher Jiotis, Sofija Jiotis, Nicholas Jiotis, Juliana Radonjić, and Aleksandra Radonjić; as well as numerous kumovi, extended family members, and dear friends. 

He is preceded in death by his cherished parents Marija (née Josić) Radonjić and Borivoje Radonjić. 

Raša will be remembered for his love of life. Despite his incredible success, Raša remained extremely humble, selfless, and hardworking. He will always be remembered as a respected and esteemed anesthesiologist and educator, providing superior care to his patients. Above all, he always put his family first and was the epitome of a family man. Despite his own hardships, he always offered a helping hand to those in need, reminding others that “life is difficult and beautiful all at once but when the going gets tough, you just never give up.”  Despite his loss, we will continue to live life following his teaching “glavu gore, samo napred” (keep your head up and move forward). 

A wake will be held on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Sveta Gora Serbian Orthodox Funeral Home, 3527 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641. The Funeral will be held May 8th, 2026, at 11 am at Libertyville Sveti Sava Cemetery, 32377 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048. The Daća (Memorial Luncheon) will follow at New Gračanica Monastery 35240 N Grant St, Third Lake, IL 60046.