For over 40 years Alex Radicevich pleased diners with fine dining experiences at his restaurant, Old Town Serbian Gourmet House, on 5th and Lincoln. Many residents of Milwaukee have fond memories of Old Town and Alex as they enjoyed his hospitality on their special occasions. I remember going there on birthdays, anniversaries and dates through the years.
One night particularly stands out. It was a cold, rainy spring day about eight years ago. My parents and I went to Old Town for dinner. Alex noticed that I came in to the restaurant without a coat, and I was shivering. He yelled at me for not wearing a jacket, went into their coat room (the stones of which sport a number of interesting fossils) and returned with a leather trench coat.
"This was my first jacket that I bought when I came to this country in 1942," he said to me. "It was $12, a fortune for me at the time. Take it."
I protested but Alex wouldn't take no for an answer. His wife was visibly moved when she saw me in that jacket, as was I. I love that coat.
For Father's Day 2011, we went to Ilija's Place, another Serbian restaurant in town. Ilija knew Alex well, having worked at Old Town for years before he started his own place. We were talking into the night, and Ilija went to the back room and got some newspaper clippings about Old Town. Over the course of our conversation he mentioned to us how he loved Alex as a father.
This morning, my mom called me as I was getting to work. Alex passed away the night before. I will always remember the sparkle in his eye and the warm hug when he would greet us at the door, and a shot of Slivovitz when I would sneak to the bar. He was tough as nails but as loving as any man can be. He knew the true meaning of service and hospitality leaving behind a family legacy.
Alex, you will be missed and not forgotten, your warm soul touched so many people in this world.
