Richard Thomas Falvey

Richard T. Falvey, 79, resident of Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, IN passed into eternal life on November 18, 2025. Rich was born in LaPorte, IN on March 14, 1946, and was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elizabeth (Wagner) Falvey and his brother James Falvey.

Rich is survived by his wife, Janine Patel, a son Scott (Mary) Falvey of Griffith, IN, and a step-daughter Anneliese (Adam) Hammer of South Bend, IN, four grandchildren Adia Joy Falvey, Noah Andrew Falvey, Jonah Graham Falvey, Owen (Alan) Hammer, and Rich's sisters Joan Farr of Niles, MI, and Patricia Calhoun of South Bend, IN.

Rich graduated from St. Joseph High School in South Bend, IN, then earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1968. Rich's first wife Nancy, mother of Scott, died of cancer in 1991. Rich remarried to Janine Patel in 1994. Rich's career centered on computer engineering in the automotive industry in Detroit where he spent 7 years with Ford, then 32 years at Chrysler.

Highlights of Rich's career at Chrysler included assignments that allowed him to meet some of the corporate officers, and the opportunity to learn about personal computers (new at the time) and help introduce them to the corporation. The merger of Daimler-Chrysler gave Rich the opportunity to travel in Germany and make some international friends. He took the Dale Carnegie course, then adapted it and led a small group from his office through the basics. Rich was known for being a quiet person but when you got to know him, you learned how much he cared about others. He usually wore his feelings on his sleeve. He was elated to win the award for most emotional speech one night at his Dale Carnegie class.

In church-related activities, Rich served on the Parish Council and later became a Stephens Minister, where he served as a care-giver for many years to a young man who was facing a difficult family situation. When this young man later became a minister it was a proud moment for Rich, who had developed a father-son relationship with him.

Rich always enjoyed the more popular sports. His favorite teams included the White Sox, Tigers, Packers, Pistons, Red Wings, and of course his beloved Fighting Irish. In the fall, watching college football games was his passion. Growing up in Niles, MI, 10 miles from Notre Dame, it was only natural to become the die-hard Fighting Irish fan that he was. A highlight of Rich's 45th class reunion at Notre Dame was meeting legendary Coach Ara Parseghian.

Odds and Ends about Rich. As a young boy he enjoyed American Flyer trains and as an adult still loved seeing the retired mighty engines. Being of "Mr. Fixit" mentality, Rich enjoyed carpentry work around home. He loved patriotic holidays, especially the 4th of July, and the music and fireworks that went with it. Over his adult years, Rich became a collector of eagle sculptures and pictures. He appreciated the powerful image that the eagle represents as a symbol of our country. He loved the dogs in his life -- Fuzz, Albert, and Grace (as well as dog-cousins, nephews, and nieces!). Most dogs seemed to take a shine to Rich so much so that some folks would refer to him as "the dog whisperer".

Rich enjoyed playing Euchre and the camaraderie that went with it. Rich was blessed with "mental-math" capabilities. He used this in doing his handyman calculations and would often shock Janine with his close estimates of bills prior to checkout when shopping. He enjoyed travel, getting to see many of the wonderful national parks in the US. He enjoyed trips "Up North" in Michigan and visiting lighthouses. This list would not be complete without mentioning Rich's fondness for visiting Walt Disney World. He loved the Main Street Electric Parade. Rich was honored to accompany his parents on the trip celebrating the 50th Anniversary of D-Day. He always remembered meeting his Dad's Army comrades.

Rich received many blessings in his life. He comes from two loving parents and was part of a loving, caring, and supportive family. He received 16 years of Catholic education. He lived his life according to the principles by which he was raised, always trying to be kind, supportive, and helpful to others.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. A committal service and interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements.