HONORABLE ROBERT A. PASTRICK

HONORABLE ROBERT A. PASTRICK EAST CHICAGO/CHESTERTON
Robert A. Pastrick, 88 of Chesterton formerly of East Chicago passed away Friday, October 28, 2016. Survived by his loving wife and best friend of 62 years Ruth Ann (nee Stolle). Loving Dad of four sons: Robert Scott (Courtney), M. Drew, David J. (Kimberly) and Kevin (special friend Angela); three daughters: Jennifer (Philip) Smith, Mary Ruth Ivanovich and Susan (Hon. Judge Michael) O'Keefe, 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; brother John "Jerry" (Joan) Pastrick and sister-in-law Betty (late Nick) Schafer; and many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends, and his extended all the citizens of East Chicago. Preceded in passing by his parents Mary (nee Oleska) and Andrew Pastrick and sister-in-law Nan Pastrick. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St Patrick Catholic Church, 3802 Grand Blvd. East Chicago, IN with main celebrant Rev. John Barasinski with concelebrants Msgr. Joseph Semancik and Rev. David Nowak. At rest Ridgelawn-Mt Mercy Cemetery, Gary, IN. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St Patrick Church. Prayer Service with Rev. Dennis Blaney at 6:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to; SHARE Foundation, Rolling Prairie, IN, St Joseph's Carmelite Home, East Chicago,IN and St Ann of the Dunes Catholic Church, Beverly Shores,IN. Mayor Pastrick or Mayor "Bob" as he was known to everyone, was a graduate of Bishop Noll H.S. Class of 1945. After graduation he attended U. of Notre Dame and after his first year, he enlisted in the US Army Special Services Division. Upon completion of his time in the service, he attended Denver University with his good friends Vince Boryla and Danny Orlich studying business and political science. He furthered his education at St Joseph College and Indiana College of Mortuary Science. After College he went back home to work for his family's business, Oleska-Pastrick Funeral Home in East Chicago. While working as a funeral director he pursued a career in politics. He became very active in the Democratic party being elected President of the East Chicago, Lake County and Indiana Young Democrats. During this time he became Chairman of the Regional Directors Young Democrats of America. In 1960 he was the Indiana Youth Director for the Kennedy for President campaign and that same year was the democratic nominee for Indiana Secretary of State .Some of his elected and appointed positions include; Director E.C. License Bureau, E.C. & L.C. Health Departments, L.C. Deputy Treasurer, E.C. 4th Dist. Councilman 1955-1964, City Controller 1964-1971 and proudly served the City of East Chicago as their Mayor from 1972 to 2004. During his time as Mayor he was an active member of various political and governmental organizations: Executive Board of the National Democratic Mayors Caucus, long time member of the DNC(a Delegate and Super Delegate for eleven National Conventions) and Executive Comm. member-Indiana Assoc. of Cities & Towns, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Co-Chairman NWI Economic Development Comm., Commissioner of NWI Regional Planning Commission, He developed the first Marina in Lake County and was an active member of Lake Michigan Marina Development Commission and NWI Forum foundation, He also served as Lake County Democratic Central Comm. Chairman for 25 years and the East Chicago Demo. Central Comm. Chairman for the same. Mayor Pastrick was a proud and active member of the Indiana Democratic State Central Committee from the 1960's until the time of his passing. Locally, He was a lifetime member of the NAACP and member of The EC/Highland Elks, Moose Lodge, EC Knights of Columbus, receiving the "Man of the Year" Award, American Legion Post 369, Kiwanis and EC Exchange Club. Throughout his Career in government, Mayor Pastrick received many awards for his hard work with all of the people for so many years. He was very proud to receive the prestigious "Sagamore of the Wabash Award" from Governor's Evan Bayh, Frank O'Bannon and Joe Kernan.