Thomas "Gap" Gapinski

Thomas "Gap" Gapinski, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, in South Bend, IN, surrounded by his loving family. He was 67 years old. Born on June 23, 1958, in LaSalle, IL, then moved to South Bend, IN where he attended St Joseph High School and Western Michigan. He played football and baseball. For over 30 years, Tom was a truck driver, just retiring from N&M Transfer Company. In his retirement, he devoted himself to being there during his daughter’s cancer battle and to caring for his beloved wife, Sue. Tom was a man of simple pleasures, finding joy in golf, cookouts, tanning by his pool and the company of his family and friends. He had a knack for capturing life's precious moments through his phone and was delighted in sharing these memories on social media. Above all, he was a proud husband, father, and "papa," cherishing every moment spent with his children and nine grandchildren, who brought endless pride and joy into his life. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Rita Gapinski, and his daughter, Kelly (Carl) Winkel. He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Sue (Koziatek) Gapinski; daughter Kaity (Joe) Ta; sons Chris (Karen) Gapinski, Kenny (Hanny) Gapinski, his treasured grandchildren; brother Dave (Jane) Gapinski. sister Carol Ingersoll and many nieces and nephews. Tom leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. He will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

 The family invites all who knew Tom to join them in a Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 14, from 2-6 p.m., at M.R. Falcons, 3212 Keller St. South Bend, IN 46628 to honor and remember a life well-lived and a man deeply loved.

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