John J. Samarich
1941 - 2019
John J. Samarich
1941 - 2019
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1941
DIED
2019
John Samarich Obituary
June 6, 1941 - Feb. 4, 2019
SOUTH BEND, IN - John J. Samarich, 77, of South Bend, IN passed away at 2:45 am. Monday, February 4, 2019 at Hospice House. He was born on June 6, 1941 in South Bend, IN to the late Branko and Doris (Vaskovich) Samarich. On May 21, 2004 in Mishawaka, IN, he was united in marriage to Jill Ritter, who survives.
John is also survived by two sons, Michael Samarich and fiance, Kim Lampos of Walkerton, IN and Robert (Melissa) Samarich of South Bend, IN; stepdaughter, Angie (Patrick) Pickenpaugh of Mishawaka, IN; two stepsons, Dan (Melba) Ritter of LaGrange, IN and Tim Ritter of Mishawaka, IN; ten grandchildren, Jordan, John, Bobby, Jami, Justin, Raeanne, Shane, Danny Jr., Rebecca, and Maxwell, ten great-grandchildren, two sisters, and one brother. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.
John was a lifelong resident. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1959-1963 serving on the USS Intrepid CV-11. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was part of the retrieval group that picked up astronaut Scott Carpenter when he landed. John retired in 2000 from the South Bend Fire Department after thirty-three years of service.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Contributions may be offered to South Bend Firefighters Association, Local 362, 4025 Lincolnway West, South Bend, IN 46628 or Center for Hospice, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michael Rozow
January 31, 2024
John was a kind gentlemen who put his family before himself. He is missed, but lives eternity with God
Michael Rozow
January 31, 2021
Tuff as nails on the outside, the kindness, softest and most sensitive on the inside.....
Mike Rozow
January 31, 2020
Most sensitive tuff guy facade touched so many people with his kindness and caring
B.J. Hague
February 10, 2019
As a neighbor of John's for many years I am sorrowed to read of his passing. A good neighbor and friend , our thoughts and prayers to him and the family.
Bonnie and B.J. Hague
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February 7, 2019
To all that Johnny leaves behind: I know amongst the tears of an earthly loss, the laughter of this wonderful character will see you through the years ahead and that is a loss that will never leave you
Right now, I know, John is lifting a glass of good plum brandy, toasting all that are around him.... greeting him and welcoming to his new adventure
God Bless you John!
Mike Rozow
Mike, Dad, Bob, Bobby, John
Mike Samarich
February 7, 2019
The Samarich Gang
Mike Samarich
February 7, 2019
Big John, Little John
Bob Samarich
February 7, 2019
Bobby Samarich
February 7, 2019
Thank you for protecting people from fires and them out! Thanks for being my Grandpa! One of the Best! Your service will never be forgotten. I love you and I'm glad that you are in Heaven now with no pain.
Dad and me, Graduation Day 1988
Bob Samarich
February 7, 2019
Dad circa 1959
Bob Samarich
February 6, 2019
Mike & Leslie Mackiewicz
February 6, 2019
Prayers and thoughts for the Samarich family
Bob, Melissa, Jordan, John, & Bobby Samarich
February 6, 2019
Bob, Melissa, Jordan, John, & Bobby Samarich
February 6, 2019
Bob, Melissa, Jordan, John, & Bobby Samarich
February 6, 2019
Bob, Melissa, Jordan, John, & Bobby Samarich
February 6, 2019
Bob, Melissa, Jordan, John, & Bobby Samarich
February 6, 2019
Bob, Melissa, Jordan, John, & Bobby Samarich
February 6, 2019
Bob, Melissa, Jordan, John, & Bobby Samarich
February 6, 2019
Bob, Melissa, Jordan, John, & Bobby Samarich
February 6, 2019
Bob, Melissa, Jordan, John, & Bobby Samarich
February 6, 2019
Bob, Melissa, Jordan, John, & Bobby Samarich
February 6, 2019
Bob, Melissa, Jordan, John, & Bobby Samarich
February 6, 2019
Marilyn Stacy
February 6, 2019
Peace be with you and your family~
So sorry to hear of John's passing my prayers are with you and your family~
Marilyn Stacy
February 6, 2019
Peace be with you and your family in this time of loss.
My prayers are with you~
God Bless you and your family.
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3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46614
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