Mirko Cetinski buried in Rovinj as hundreds say goodbye
The father of singer Toni Cetinski was laid to rest at the city cemetery. The family dropped plans for a private farewell, and a memorial is set for 5 p.m. at the Adris hall.
Singer Mirko Cetinski, the father of Toni Cetinski, was buried on Wednesday, October 21, at the city cemetery in Rovinj. Hundreds of people came to say goodbye, including neighbors, friends and colleagues from the music scene. Cetinski died on October 15, at the age of 78, after a long and serious illness.
Why was the cemetery open to everyone?
The family had first planned a farewell for close relatives only. In the end they opened the cemetery gates to anyone who wanted to pay their respects, and son Toni Cetinski explained the decision on his Instagram profile before the funeral:
“Aware of how many people he touched throughout his life, we want to give everyone the chance to say goodbye to him together with us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the expressions of condolence, support and respect you are showing us in these difficult moments.”
His brother Mateo and their mother Vinka were also at the cemetery. According to Croatian media reports, both sons were in tears, and they walked beside their mother in the procession.
What was said at the cemetery?
Opera singer Ronald Braus, a Rovinj native, delivered the farewell. His speech is reproduced here as it was recorded:
“Today we say goodbye to a man who left an indelible mark. He was a man of the stage, of music and of meeting people, and his bond with his beloved Rovinj was special. Mirko left the city the most beautiful thing one can leave: his songs. Behind him remain years of dedicated work and countless performances, and his music will speak for a very long time.”
A priest also spoke, though his name has not been published. Index.hr carried his words:
“Mirko tied his life to song. A song has the power to bring people closer, to express longing and to offer comfort. When the clock of earthly time one day stops, what matters is how much good we have done, whether we knew how to give thanks and to extend a hand.”
Martin Kosovec sang the song “Fala.”
Who was Mirko Cetinski?
His career spanned six decades. He recorded 13 albums, performed across Europe, America and Australia, and was one of the founders of Radio Rovinj. In 2023 the city of Rovinj awarded him its Gold Medal for his contribution to music and radio.
He came from a well-known Rovinj family. According to Telegraf, his grandfather was the first private baker in Rovinj, and his father served as director of the former Social Accounting Service. With his wife Vinka, whom Telegraf describes as a former deputy minister of tourism, he had two sons. Toni is a singer himself, while Mateo, as the same article puts it, later turned to interior design.
What comes after the funeral?
Remembrance of Mirko Cetinski continues on Wednesday evening. A memorial is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Adris Concert Hall in Rovinj.
