Zivko Mateo Pikunic, a retired union painter and tradesman and long-time resident of Union City, NJ, passed unexpectedly on October 21st at the age of 70.

Zivko was born in Zadar, Croatia in former Yugoslavia. He would live in the village of Barotul on the island of Pasman. He would be conscripted into the Yugoslav Armed Forces at 18, and would sail the world at 21. He would come to America and immigrate when he was 28. He would open Topps bar with his brother Nedo Pikunich in the 80's and In the 1990's he would meet his partner Theresa Bunce, and have a son together. 

Zivko was a man who enjoyed working and creating things with his hands. From backyard projects to full-scale jobs with federal funding, he was involved with it all. He took pride in his work, and when he wasn't working he was with friends, family, and talking to anyone who'd want to hear his stories. He travelled the world, he'd love his pets, and he always had a way of lighting up a room. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him.