Richard A. Garis

Richard A. Garis, 90, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2017. Richard was born in Chicago, IL to the late Jack and Helen (Przybysz) Garis. Along with his parents; he was preceded in death by his brother, Theodore; his sister, Virginia Storm; and his grandson, Ryan Womack. On June 10, 1950, he married Rosemarie DeMeulenaere.  He is survived by his beloved wife “Rosie”; two daughters, Janet (Darrell) Womack of Parrish, FL, Jamie Miller of Bristol, IN; two sons, John (Paula) Garis of North Liberty, IN and James (Marianne) Garis of New Carlisle, IN; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and his extended family and friends. Richard graduated from South Bend Washington High School. He entered the U.S Army and was a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne. He worked over 30 years in law enforcement. From 1957-1977 he served as a Detective Sergeant on the South Bend Police Department. He was a former Chief of Police on the St. Joseph County Police Department, retiring in 1989. He also was a salesman for Sunnyside Beverage and a chauffer at the University of Notre Dame Transportation Department. Richard was a man of great pride and conviction. He demanded the best in everyone yet was also very compassionate. He made friends wherever he went. He was not happy unless he was always on the go, entertaining and feed people “Polish Love”. His hobbies included gardening, fishing, mushroom hunting, casinos, horse races, NASCAR, amusement parks, Notre Dame sports and traveling. Richard was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 36, American Legion Post 357, West Side Conservation Club and the Chain O’ Lakes Conservation Club. 
Visitation will be Sunday, March 19, 2017 from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., with rosary prayed at 4:00 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 20, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Family Catholic Church, 56405 Mayflower Rd., South Bend, IN. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Team Tony Foundation 1-to-1 Cancer Support in his grandson (Ryan Womack’s) honor. www.teamtony.org. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com.