Pasquale Rulli, Sr.

Pasquale Rulli, Sr., 92, of Mishawaka, IN, passed away at 11:33 a.m. Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN. 

He was born on January 15, 1932, to the late Salvatore and Maria (Lacopo) Rulli in Gerace, Italy. He has lived in St. Joseph County, IN since arriving in the United States in 1951. Along with his parents; he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Rosa Pedulla, and Carmela Lacopo, as well as his beloved German Shepard, Bella.   He is survived by his two brothers Anotnio Rulli of Roseland and Cosimo (Susan) Rulli of South Bend.  

Pasquale’s loving wife of 70 years, MaryLou (Thomas) Rulli also survives.  They married with unwavering love on February 24, 1954 at Holy Cross Church where they have continued their faith through the years. Together they raised their four surviving children Salvatore (Mary Elizabeth) Rulli of Elkhart, Pasquale (Carolyn) Rulli, Jr. of Mishawaka, Nina Marie Rulli (Frank Damico) of Mishawaka, and Lloyd (Jodi) Rulli of Granger. His love extended to his 11 grandchildren Morgan (Ben), Pasquale Chase,  Gesumino, Nicholas, Robert, Nicole, Christopher (Jessica), Vincenzo (Julia), Francesca, Dominic, and Luciano as well as 16 great-grandchildren. 

Searching for his American Dream, Pasquale immigrated to the United States from Gerace, Italy in 1951. He began his career at Rocco’s Pizza where he learned how to make pizza the “American way” and with the Bendix Corporation in South Bend until he retired at 55. With a combination of his entrepreneurial spirit and his mother’s family recipes, he founded Pasquale Rulli’s Pizza in 1977, which continues to be a staple in the community over 40 years later. Having never officially retiring from the restaurant life, Pasquale’s commitment to hard work and excellence never wavered, as he continued to work alongside his family at the restaurant until his final days. 

A man of deep faith, Pasquale was a devoted member of Holy Cross Church and an active participant of the Italian American Society, he embodied the values of service and community. His presence could light up any room he walked into, and his wisdom and kindness left an everlasting mark on all who had the privilege of meeting him.  He had a knack for telling stories, making everyone laugh, and was able to capture an audience anywhere he went. 

A visitation will be held Friday April 26th, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, where a rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Holy Cross Church.  Entombment will follow in Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to his granddaughters animal rescue, House of Paws IN. A way to also honor his great friend Mimi, a stray cat that he joked “wasn’t his cat”, but he loved on and cared for none the less.  A memorial donation can be made online at the website below or by mail.

https://http://houseofpawsindiana.org/donate/

House of Paws, IN

53810 County Road 43

Middlebury, IN 46540

Donations may also be given to Holy Cross Catholic Church in memory of his lifelong commitment to faith and community.

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