Peter "Pete" Paul Gapczynski

Peter P. Gapczynski, 85, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Dujarie House, after a sudden illness. He was born on May 25, 1939 in South Bend, Indiana to the late John J. and Eugenia (Milostan) Gapczynski. Peter was also preceded in death by one sister Joan Rozycki, his brother-in-law, Gene Rozycki, niece Beth Ann Gapczynski and sister-in-law, Mary Gapczynski. On September 5, 1970 he married Nellie J. LePard who survives him. He is also survived by one brother, Norbert Gapczynski of South Bend, Indiana, one sister, Anne Gapczynski, one niece, Gretchen (Jim) Pfeil of South Bend, two great nieces, Madeline and Lillian Pfeil and one great nephew, Matthew Pfeil.

Peter was a 1957 graduate of St. Joseph High School. This was the first graduating class at the school on Angela Blvd. He was a Veteran of The United States Army, stationed in Fairbanks, AK. Pete worked as a Production Planner at Honeywell. He was involved with many organizations throughout his life. He was a member of The St. Hedwig Holy Name Society, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church as a long time parishioner and usher and a faithful blood donor for over thirty years. He coached St. Hedwig Grade School in baseball. He also managed M.R. Falcons slow pitch softball team to the city championship. He also worked at the St. Mary’s Convent which enjoyed very much. 

One of Pete’s great loves was sports. He was a die hard Notre Dame fan, ushering home football games and attending many away games with Norb. He was also a season ticket holder for men’s basketball with Nellie. He was a life long Chicago Cubs fan, attending countless home and away games. He and Norb also loved cheering on St. Joseph Football games through the 2023 season.

Pete was a loyal friend to many, always willing to lend a helping hand. He took great care of Norb and his sister, Anne, as they both experienced physical aging challenges.

His greatest legacy was the care and love he gave to Nellie as her dementia progressed through the years. He was committed to keeping her at home for as long as possible, which he did, up until the last three weeks of his life. He literally gave her everything he had until he no longer could.

A visitation for Pete will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 2:30 pm until 7:00 pm at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN. A rosary will be prayed at 2:45 pm in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held from 10:30 am until 11:00 am prior to the mass. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Pete’s honor.

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