Rod Blagojevich

official U.S. Congress photo of Rod Blagojevich c. 2001

Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Date of Birth: December 10, 1956

Ethnicity: Serbian

Rod Blagojevich is an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 40th Governor of Illinois, from January 13, 2003 to January 29, 2009. He was previously a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, from January 3, 1997 to January 3, 2003. He was also previously an amateur boxer.

His father, Radislav Blagojevich, was an emigrant from Kragujevac, Sumadija, Serbia. His mother, Mila (Govedarica), was born in Chicago, to Bosnian Serb parents, from Gacko, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is married to Patricia Blagojevich, with whom he has two children. Patricia is the daughter of Chicago alderman Richard Mell.

Rod’s paternal grandfather was named Bozidar Blagojevic/Blagojevich.

Rod’s paternal grandmother was named Draga.

Rod’s maternal grandfather was Ilya Bjela Govedarica (the son of Arseniji/Arsen Govedarica and Stana Yokanovich).

Rod’s maternal grandmother was named Plema/Paulina Tharovich.

Source: Genealogy of Rod Blagojevich – http://www.geni.com