Antonio Rulli

Antonio Rulli, 95, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 1:49 a.m. Monday, October 27, 2025, in his home. Antonio was born on September 13, 1930, in Gerace, Italy. As a proud immigrant and U.S. citizen, he came to the United States when he was 17 years old and had a mission to bring his mother, Maria Rulli, to the U.S. He worked to bring his sister, Carmella Lacopo and her three children, Maria, Rosa, and Bruno, to the U.S. first. Then he saved his money to bring his mother Maria to South Bend.
After working in the food service industry in South Bend during the height of Studebaker's success, Antonio was employed as a machinist for 45 years at the former Bendix Corporation. On July 31, 1954, in St. Adalbert Church, he married Phyllis Cholaj, who preceded him in death on January 8, 2021. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Salvatore and Maria (Lacopo) Rulli; two sisters, Rosina Pedulla (Rosario, Mariella, Sylvia) and Carmela Lacopo (Maria Mittiga, Rosa McGowan, Bruno, Frank, Rita, Angie) and Tony Lacopo (Louise); and his brother Pasquale Rulli (Sam, Nina, Pasquale and Lloyd).
Antonio is survived by two daughters, Ann Rulli (Curt Lynn) and Carrie Rulli both of South Bend, Indiana; three sons, Michael (Liz) Rulli of South Bend, Indiana, Robert (Kristine) Rulli of Fort Collins, Colorado and Joseph (Josie) Rulli of Indianapolis, Indiana; ten grandchildren, Anthony (Haley) Rulli, Sarah Lynn, Lia Rulli, Joseph (Emily Jenkins) Bourdages, Elliot Bourdages, Noah Lynn, Alex Rulli, Roslyn Rulli, Luca Rulli and Joshua Rulli; one great-grandson, Wesley Jenkins; and his brother, Cosimo (Susan) Rulli and sister-in-law MaryLou Rulli both of South Bend, Indiana.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:15 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025, in Christ the King Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in Highland Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, where a rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. A visitation will also be held from 12:15 until 1:00 p.m. Friday in Christ the King Catholic Church.
Antonio loved gardening and growing the best and tallest tomatoes in Roseland, where he said is the best place to live. He lived his life helping others, a vocation he bestowed upon his children and grandchildren. His love for people and community was evident in his everyday life, from his neighbors to his children, to his church family, to the wider community. He wished to be with family and friends until his last day. From a start of very little, he worked hard to generously share his accomplishments, and always with great humor. That legacy will continue through his children and grandchildren. Until his last day he recited Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
He recited this prayer to his loving wife, Phyllis, as she departed before him, and to his children regularly.
He leaves an example that is difficult to follow but one that he behests on us all: give freely, love your neighbors, family means everything, immigrants make this country great, follow the Lord, and love those around you.
Memorial contributions can be directed to Christ the King Catholic Church. The family would like to thank Home Instead and Caring Cove Hospice for all the love and care they provided.
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