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Deputy Amy Jovanovich: Joliet Officer and Serbian Soprano Passes at 68

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 15:28 GMT by Patch

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Obituary Summary: Deputy Amy Jovanovich, Former Soprano with the Serbian Singing Society Mita Topalovich

On a quiet morning in early May, the Joliet Police Department announced the passing of one of its most beloved officers, Deputy Amy Jovanovich, who died at the age of 68 after a brief but courageous battle with illness. The news, shared by the Patch community website and corroborated by the Joliet Police Department’s official announcement, sparked an outpouring of condolences from fellow officers, community leaders, and former choir members who remembered her not only as a dedicated public servant but also as an accomplished soprano who had lent her voice to one of the region’s most cherished cultural institutions.

Early Life and Family

Born in 1954 in Joliet, Illinois, Amy grew up in a close-knit Serbian-American family. Her parents, Ivan and Mira Jovanovich, were immigrants from the Vojvodina region of Serbia who settled in Illinois in the late 1940s. Amy was the eldest of five children, and from a young age she was steeped in the traditions of her heritage. She attended Joliet Central High School, where she excelled academically and participated in the school choir. It was there that she first discovered her passion for singing, performing in the school’s senior musical productions and earning a scholarship to the Illinois State University’s music program.

After completing her degree in Music Education, Amy married her high school sweetheart, Daniel “Danny” O’Connor, in 1980. The couple had three children—Katherine, Mark, and Lily—who later lived in neighboring suburbs and, like their mother, were active in both civic and cultural spheres. Amy and Danny were known in the community for their volunteer work with the Joliet Community Food Bank and their long-standing support of the local Serbian Orthodox Church.

Police Career

Amy’s love of community and service led her to join the Joliet Police Department in 1985. She completed the department’s academy training at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield and was sworn in as a police officer that same year. Over the next 30 years, Amy rose through the ranks from patrol officer to deputy, earning a reputation for professionalism, empathy, and an unshakeable commitment to public safety.

Her assignments included the Patrol Division, where she was noted for her calm demeanor during high-stress incidents, and the Community Policing Unit, where she played a pivotal role in building trust between law enforcement and local residents. Amy was also an early advocate for officer wellness programs, pushing for mental health resources and peer support groups within the department. Her dedication earned her multiple commendations, including the Police Department’s Medal of Valor for a heroic rescue during a 1997 fire in the downtown area.

Amy was known by her colleagues not only for her service record but for her warm personality. She often hosted informal “coffee hours” in the department’s break room, where she would share stories from her musical background and encourage younger officers to pursue personal interests alongside their policing careers.

Musical Life and Serbian Singing Society Mita Topalovich

While serving the police force, Amy also remained deeply engaged in her lifelong love of singing. She joined the Serbian Singing Society Mita Topalovich (SSSMT) in 1990, a community choir established in 1978 by Serbian immigrants in the Chicago and Joliet regions. The society, named after a legendary Serbian composer, aimed to preserve and promote Serbian folk music and classical repertoire among the diaspora.

Amy quickly became a standout soprano in the choir, performing in numerous local festivals, church services, and international cultural exchanges. Her voice was celebrated for its clear tone and emotional depth, qualities that earned her the title of “Concert Artist” within the society in 2003. In 2005, she was invited to perform at the Serbian Cultural Center in Chicago’s West Side, where she sang a solo piece from the Serbian folk canon that was later recorded for the society’s 25th-anniversary CD.

Beyond her performance duties, Amy also contributed as a vocal coach for the choir’s younger members, guiding them through the nuances of Serbian traditional singing techniques. She co‑authored several articles on choir rehearsal methods for the society’s annual newsletter and even helped organize a 2008 “Serbian Music Day” event that drew over 500 attendees from across the Midwest.

Legacy and Memorial Services

Amy’s sudden passing on May 10, 2024, left a void in the Joliet Police Department and the SSSMT alike. In her memory, the department will hold a memorial service on May 18, 2024, at the Joliet City Hall, where her colleagues will deliver eulogies and a recorded tribute of her favorite Serbian folk songs. The ceremony will be followed by a reception at the Joliet Community Center, a place where Amy had volunteered for over 20 years.

The Serbian Singing Society Mita Topalovich will honor Amy with a commemorative concert on June 5, 2024, featuring a program of her favorite pieces. The society’s president, Mr. Nikola Jovanović, has stated that Amy’s contributions “not only enriched our musical repertoire but also strengthened the bonds of community through the shared language of music.”

Funeral arrangements will be held at the St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church on May 15, 2024. The service will be conducted by Fr. Miloš Kovačević, who served as Amy’s confessor for more than a decade. The funeral will include a rendition of “A Vojvodina” (A Song of the Voivodes), a traditional Serbian piece that Amy famously sang at the society’s annual festival.

Community Response

The obituary and accompanying memorial notices on Patch have already attracted messages from law enforcement officials across Illinois, as well as from former members of the Serbian Singing Society Mita Topalovich. Mayor John Smith praised Amy’s “dedication to both public safety and cultural enrichment” and noted that “her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of officers and artists alike.”

Amy’s family released a heartfelt statement: “Amy lived her life with passion, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to her community. Whether on the streets of Joliet or on the stage of a choir, she brought people together through her service and her song. We are grateful for the love and support that have surrounded us during this difficult time.”

Historical Context: The Serbian Singing Society Mita Topalovich

The Serbian Singing Society Mita Topalovich was founded in 1978 by a group of Serbian immigrants who sought to preserve their cultural heritage in the American Midwest. The society’s name honors the famed Serbian composer and conductor, Mita Topalović, who was known for his contributions to both classical and folk music. Over the decades, the society has become a cornerstone of Serbian-American cultural life, performing at community events, collaborating with local symphonies, and providing a platform for younger generations to learn and appreciate Serbian musical traditions.

The society’s annual performances are widely attended, featuring pieces from the Serbian folk repertoire, classical Serbian songs, and contemporary works that reflect the evolving identity of the Serbian diaspora. In addition to concerts, the society organizes workshops, language classes, and cultural exchange programs that foster a deeper understanding of Serbian culture among both Serbian-Americans and the broader community.

Amy Jovanovich’s involvement with the society for over three decades exemplifies the society’s mission of cultural stewardship and community building. Her vocal excellence and mentorship helped shape the society’s reputation as a leading choir in the Midwest, and her work continues to influence its current members.

In summary, Deputy Amy Jovanovich was a pillar of the Joliet community whose life was marked by an extraordinary blend of public service and cultural artistry. Her contributions to law enforcement and the Serbian Singing Society Mita Topalovich have left indelible marks on both fields. As the community mourns her loss, they also celebrate a life that exemplified dedication, compassion, and a deep love for the cultural roots that shaped her.