Submitted by: Dan Rich
March 30, 1955 - April; 20, 2008
South Bend Tribune 4/23/2008
SOUTH BEND - On Sunday morning, April 20, 2008 the angels came
unexpectedly and took Roger Frank "Babe" Gadacz,
53 years young, of South Bend, Indiana, by the hand to be with
our Lord. Born the only son (thus the nickname "Babe")
to the holy union of Pearl M. and Hilary "Larry" F.
Gadacz on March 30, 1955, in South Bend, IN, he was raised in the
Catholic faith. Preceding Roger in death were his father, Hilary
Gadacz, on September 23, 1992; a brother-in-law, James D. Womack,
on March 12, 2001; a nephew, (newborn) Jason Robinson
(Leyshon), and a niece, Caprice Gadacz-Leyshon, on July 24, 2006.
Surviving family members of Roger's "Babe's" untimely
passing are his beloved mother, Pearl M. Gadacz, South Bend, IN;
two loving daughters, Angela "Angie" Gadacz and Valerie
"Daddy's Vallie Pooh," of whom he was very proud, both
of Hobart, IN; devoted sisters, Sharon-Gadacz Womack, who
was his caretaker these last months, of South Bend, IN, and Diane
Gadacz-Leyshon, South Bend, IN; a niece, Rachael Polizzotto,
Mishawaka, IN; a nephew, Adam Womack, Michigan City, IN;
great-nieces, Renne and Ramey Polizzotto, both of Mishawaka, IN;
and great-nephew, Frank James Womack, LaPorte, IN. Numerous
aunts, uncles, cousins and friends scattered throughout South
Wales, Great Britain, England, France and the United States of
America also survive Roger.
Roger "Babe" graduated in 1973
from (the former) LaSalle High School, attended (the former) Ivy
Tech College and The University of Notre Dame, majoring in
computer technology. Roger's greatest dream was to win the
"Big One"' (lottery) so he could take care of his
wonderful and caring family, especially his two daughters, who he
loved and cherished with all his heart and would do anything for.
Till we meet again "Babe," we know that you are now
free of all the pain and suffering you've endured. Our hearts are
forever broken and once again our family chain has been broken.
You'll never be forgotten. Hanley and Sons Funeral Home, SR 23
Chapel, handled arrangements and, at Roger's request, there will
be no service or visitation.
Cremation will take place. During many
conversations Roger and his sisters had before and after he
became disabled, he asked if anyone asked what they could do, if
and when he passed on, he responded "please ask them to
turn to the first person to their right and say 'I love you,' or
say something positive to them so they'll know that they'll
always be loved unconditionally." Thank you from Roger We
love you "Babe," now go rest in the house of our Lord
and in the arms of the angels. The family request that all
memorial contributions be made to the Military Honor Park, P.O.
Box 3356, South Bend, IN 46619. The HANLEY & Sons
"Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home handled arrangements
and extends its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the
Gadacz family.