Thomas E. Kanczuzewski

Sept. 25, 1961 - May 17, 2011
SOUTH BEND - Thomas E. Kanczuzewski, 49, of South Bend, IN, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2011. He was born on September 25, 1961 to Leonard A. and Sylvia D. (Coppens) Kanczuzewski in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong resident. Thomas graduated from Clay High School in 1979. Mr. Kanczuzewski was an entrepreneur who owned three businesses, Logistick, Inc., Inovateus Solar, LLC, and Inovateus Development, LLC. On July 14, 1979, he married Lyrin A. Russell at Christ the King Catholic Church in South Bend, IN. He is survived by his loving wife, Lyrin A. Kanczuzewski; one daughter, Ashley Marie (Christopher) Brickley of St. Joseph, MI; five sons, T.J. (Julia) Kanczuzewski of Buchanan, MI; Nick (Elizabeth) Kanczuzewski of Lubbock, TX; Tyler Kanczuzewski of South Bend, IN; Michael Kanczuzewski of Niles, MI; David Kanczuzewski of Niles, MI; one grandson, John Mason Brickley of St. Joseph, MI; one sister, Karen Jasinski of South Bend, IN; three brothers, Kenneth (Christine) Kanczuzewski of South Bend, IN; Timothy (Cindy) Kanczuzewski of South Bend, IN; Christopher Kanczuzewski of South Bend, IN; a sister-in-law, Lori (Paul) Fisher of Dallas, TX; a brother-in-law, Todd Russell of South Bend, IN; and his beloved dog, Kody. One sister, Renee Marie Trulli preceded him in death. Tom enjoyed many outdoor activities with friends and family. Growing up in South Bend, he spent countless hours in the woods and fishing on the St. Joseph River. As an adult he loved boating, snowmobiling, motorcycling, scuba diving, hiking, cross-country skiing, vacationing, attending concerts and golfing. In his professional endeavors he was a great humanitarian and environmentalist. As he would tell people to "promote the solution," he incorporated sustainable features in many building and renewable energy projects in the Michiana area and across the country. Always an entrepreneur, Tom holds several patents in the transportation industry. Tom also contributed to many charities throughout his lifetime including Logan Center, St. Margaret's House and Riley Hospital for Children. What he really enjoyed the most however were life's simple pleasures such as walking with his wife, Lyrin, and cooking out with his kids. Family parties with his parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews were some of his favorite occasions. Tom will be extremely missed by all of the friends and family he mentored in business and life. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2011 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2011 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Tom to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Please visit a tribute page to Tom at www.nami.org or send contributions to 3803 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203. To send condolences, please visit, www.kaniewski.com.