GEORGE J. TEZICH

Nov. 17, 1921 - Jan. 24, 2009
SOUTH BEND - George John Tezich Sr., a lifelong resident of South Bend, passed away peacefully in his home at 9:45 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2009. He was 87 years old. He was born November 17, 1921, in South Bend, the son of Frederick and Mary (Shutija) Tezich.

He graduated from Central High School.

On October 16, 1940, he enlisted in the United States Army, and honorably served his country during WWII. He was honorably discharged on September 14, 1945. He was the recipient of two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars.

On June 3, 1950, in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, South Bend, he was united in marriage to JoAnne Elaine Gardner. His loving wife, JoAnne of more than 58 years survives him. Also surviving are his daughter, Ruth (Val) Trinkley of Nappanee, IN; three sons, George J. (Deborah L.) Tezich Jr. of South Bend, Gregory Joel (Deborah) Tezich of Grand Junction, CO, and Robert M. Tezich of South Bend. Ten grandchildren, Stephanie Tezich, Sarah Tezich, Alex Emmart, Jordan Emmart, Rachel Trinkley, Layne Trinkley, Neil Trinkley, Matthew Tezich, Jennifer Tezich and Amanda Tezich, along with one great-granddaughter, Jacelynn Townsend, survive George as well.

Known as "Smiling George," he was employed for seven years as a police officer with the South Bend Police Dept. He retired in 1996 as a sales rep with Huntington Laboratories following 35 years of service. He was a member of the Cathedral of St. Matthew, a member and past commander of American Legion Post 50, and a Knight of Columbus. George had been a member of the YMCA since he was 8 years old, and loved playing handball at the Y.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, in the Cathedral of St. Matthew. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. today in the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, and one hour prior to Mass on Wednesday in the cathedral. Contributions in memory of Mr. Tezich may be made to the YMCA, 1201 Northside Blvd., South Bend, IN 46615; or to The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jan. 27, 2009.

03/05/2023 EJS