John J. Peczkowski

Mar. 18, 1927 - Dec. 12, 2015

SOUTH BEND - John Joseph Peczkowski, 88, of South Bend, passed away Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 5:40 PM surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 18, 1927, in South Bend, to the late John A. and Bertha (Bukowski) Peczkowski, and was a lifelong area resident. On April 22, 1950 he married Betty J. Lagocki, who preceded him in death on May 3, 2006, after 56 years of marriage.

John graduated from Central High School where he played football and baseball. He served in the Army Air Force in World War II. His tour of duty was in the Philippines. After his discharge he was employed by the Studebaker Corp. for several years. He joined the South Bend Police Dept. on April 4, 1954. He served 22 years and reached the rank of Captain in the Detective Bureau. Later he was employed by Mossberg Printing Company for 15 years.

John is survived by four devoted daughters, Carol (Jerry) Grontkowski of Granger, IN, Susan (Bill) Spier of Rolling Prairie, IN, Gail Peczkowski of Naperville, IL and Sandy (Tim) Golichowski of Granger, IN; four grandchildren, Erin (Brandon) Smith, Jeff (Ashley) Grontkowski and Luke and Hannah Golichowski; two great-grandchildren, Elliot and Tucker Smith; a sister, Leona Jordanek of South Bend; his caring friend and companion, Emily Cichowicz; several nieces and nephews, and his two grand-dogs, Sophie and Quinn.

Also preceding him in death were his two sisters, Molly Sokol and Dolores Pajakowski; and three brothers, Edward, Bernard and Daniel Peczkowski.

John was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, VFW Post #8748, and F.O.P. Lodge #36. He was an avid Notre Dame football fan and enjoyed golf with his lifelong friends.

John was a fun and wonderful father and grandfather and will be remembered for his sense of humor and kind and generous spirit. We will miss his warm smile and twinkle in his blue eyes. Dad, you will always live on in our hearts. We love you.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 16, 2015, at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, with Rev. Terrence M. Coonan officiating and burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 3616 St. Johns Way, South Bend, IN 46628. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Dec. 14 to Dec. 15, 2015.

02/19/2023 EJS