Richard (Dick) Henry Kil

Richard (Dick) Henry Kil, 93, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2024. Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, he dedicated his life to nurturing his family as a devoted husband to Elizabeth L. (Betty Roberts), a loving father to Joseph, Gregory, and Paul (Maria), and former daughters-in-law Diane and Monica.  Dick was a supportive grandfather to Justine, Andrew, Madeline, Alexander, Abraham, Susanna, Angie, and Natalie, and he was an affectionate great-grandfather to Noah, Liliana, and Alice.  Survived by his sisters Anne McMahon and Virginia Pulaski, he was preceded in death by his son Michael, parents Joseph and Anna (Rosiejewski) Kil, brothers Roman, Henry, and Chester, and sisters Wanda, Irene, Alice, Salomea, Henrietta, Anita, Helen, and Harriet.

A veteran of the Army during the Korean Conflict, Dick exemplified resilience and honor.  After returning home, he worked in various jobs until given the opportunity to work at Hoosier Spring Company in South Bend.  Later, he moved on to work at the Bendix Corporation, first in the Automotive Division and then in the Aerospace Division.  He developed his skills and knowledge of fuel controls, working his way up in the Aerospace Division, and eventually securing a management position in the Technical Support Department.  Because of his expertise, knowledge, and management skills, Dick was sent to Japan to help with Allied Signal’s overseas program, and later to both Rocky Mount, North Carolina and Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas as a Senior Service Representative, giving technical and management support for several years.

Dick was member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Bendix Management Club.  He was an Assistant Scout Master for his sons’ Boy Scout Troop, helping to organize several overnight camping trips.  He loved to bowl and was involved in several bowling leagues in the area.  He also was an avid golfer, playing golf with the Bendix Golfing League and on countless courses locally and throughout the country.  Dick enjoyed playing cards with his friends and family and hosted monthly card games.  He loved to travel to destinations all over the country, especially to Florida with friends in the winter.

Dick was a passionate family man who enjoyed life, always looked on the bright side of all situations, and was ready to tackle any project that came his way.  He was a handyman, always working on DIY projects, improving the various homes he owned throughout the years. He finished the shell of his second home and constructed and finished three more homes with the help of his father-in-law, brothers, and sons. He always enjoyed the challenge of a “house project” and taught his sons numerous skills and a contagious “can-do” attitude.  Dick was a good man who had a wonderful sense of humor and a playful spirit.  His legacy of love, laughter, and integrity will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.  

The family extends special gratitude to Dr. Janet Galanes, along with Center for Hospice, especially Zach and Peggy, and to Shameka from Firefly Home Care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, in St. Jude Catholic Church.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sunday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, where a rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Monday in St. Jude Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Center for Hospice Care at cfhcare.org, or to the Parkinson’s Foundation at parkinson.org. 

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