Josip Jozo Lacmanović, founder of New York’s Klapa Astoria, dies in car accident

Josip Jozo Lacmanović, known by his nickname Lace and founder of New York’s Klapa Astoria, has died at the age of 68 following a serious car accident on Saturday, September 5, on the A1 highway near Čista Mala, close to Šibenik.

His wife, Ružica, was seriously injured in the accident and taken to hospital.

News of Lacmanović’s death has deeply affected Šibenik and his native Rakovo Selo, as well as the Croatian community in New York, where he spent most of his life.

Lacmanović was remembered as a warm and generous man who touched the lives of thousands of people, from his native Dalmatia to Astoria, New York. Those who knew him say he was a well-known figure in the Astoria community, admired for his kindness, hospitality and dedication to klapa music.

Born in Split, Lacmanović moved to Šibenik at the age of seven. He later attended high school in the United States and spent some time living in Zagreb before moving back across the Atlantic more than 40 years ago. Although he built his life and a successful business career in the United States, his connection to Dalmatia remained strong.

In the early 1990s, Lacmanović founded Klapa Astoria with the goal of sharing the beauty of traditional Dalmatian klapa singing with both Croatian communities and audiences unfamiliar with the tradition. Through his work with the group, he also sought to preserve the memories and cultural heritage of his native region.

Translated by: KM