Peter Mandich

Peter Mandich Merrillville/Gary Peter Mandich, age 83, of Merrillville, formerly a longtime Gary area resident, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2006. Peter was a graduate of Froebel High School in Gary, Class of 1940. He lettered in basketball and was a star on the well-remembered Froebel Blue Devils basketball team that competed in the state finals. Peter was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II who served in the European Theatre having fought in five major battles under General George S. Patton. He was decorated for wounds received in combat. Peter was a retired crane inspector from American Bridge Works in Gary. He was a candidate for Lake County Sheriff in 1959. Peter is survived by one son, Nicholas P. (Cynthia (nee Leetz)) Mandich of Valparaiso; one daughter, Deborah J. (Scott) Mandich-Nowland of Crown Point; six grandchildren: Lisa J. (Robert) Linderman, Rachel L. (late Wayne) Spender, Paul N. (Elisa J. (nee Baez)) Mandich, Yvonne R. Woszczynski, Katrina R. Mandich and Frank F. Woszczynski; two step-grandchildren: Jacqueline Mooney and Jamilyn (Matt) Denger; six great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Mandich of Merrillville; brother, Dan Mandich of Schererville. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 13, 2006 at 9:15 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, to Our Lady of Consolation Church, 8303 Taft Street, Merrillville, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Joseph E. Vamos officiating. Interment Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso. Friends may visit with the family at the Burns Funeral Home on Sunday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. A special private family prayer service will precede the visitation.