A ceremony was held in San Pedro, California, to inaugurate Gojko Špralja Square, honoring a longtime leader and highly respected member of the Croatian-American community. The event was attended by his family, numerous representatives of the City and County of Los Angeles, the Consul General of the Republic of Croatia in Los Angeles, prominent business leaders, and friends.
The ceremony was opened by Rudy Svorinich Jr., president of the Dalmatian-American Club and the visionary behind the square, who also proposed the inscription:
“Gojko Špralja Square, leader of San Pedro, Croatian immigrant and American patriot.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker then addressed the audience, noting:
“Gojko Špralja was one of those remarkable individuals who perfectly embodied the spirit of our community. He was a beloved member of San Pedro for 63 years—hardworking, proud of both his heritage and his adopted homeland. He loved his family, his friends, and deeply cared about helping others through volunteering in the Dalmatian-American Club. He was truly a treasure of the community and a wonderful man.”
Gojko Špralja was born on September 30, 1936, on the island of Rava, Croatia, which he affectionately called “the center of the world.” In San Pedro, he distinguished himself as a seven-time president of the Dalmatian-American Club during the 1980s, honorary mayor of San Pedro, president of the Lions Club, and a member of the San Pedro Elks Lodge. His fundraising campaigns supported the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and provided scholarships for local students, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Špralja peacefully passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 88. His dedication and love for the community will remain forever remembered—now immortalized in the square that bears his name.
Gojko Spralja
Spralja brothers with Nada Pritisanac Matulich
Gojko Spralja, Branka Bezić Filipović and Rudy Svorinich
Spralja in Dalmatian American Club of San Pedro