Submitte by: Dan Rich

Armando Fred Gardini

Sept. 7, 1913 - July 29, 1997

South Bend Tribune 8/2/1997

Armando Fred Gardini, 83, son of Claricca and Silvio V. Gardini, passed away at 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29.

Fred was born on Sept. 7, 1913, in Logansport, Ind., and moved to Mishawaka, Ind., at the age of eight. In 1920 his father was killed while working for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Logansport. Fred was only seven years old. His mother died in 1952 at the age of 73.

On June 20, 1942, he married Mary Medich of South Bend, Ind. They were married in St. Bavo's Church rectory by Father Otto Keller. They had just celebrated their 55th anniversary on June 20th of this year.

Mr. Gardini is survived by his children, Lana Jaroszewski, her husband Jim, and their children, Brian of California, and Laura Marie and Jason, both of South Bend. His sons, Fred W. Gardini of South Bend and Silvio A. and his wife Cindy, and their children, Elizabeth Ann, Anthony and Katie Gardini of South Bend. A son, Reggie J., and his wife Laura, and their children, Angie and Ryan Gardini of South Bend. A son, Dino A. Gardini, and a son, Joey J. Gardini of South Bend. Mr. Gardini's sister Attea and Frank Barnes of Clinton Township, Mich., and a nephew, David Chicci of Phoenix, Ariz.

All of his siblings preceded him in death: Marie (August) Gasperoni Dante Gardini, Germaine Chicci and Aldo V. Gardini.

Fred worked at Ball Band, Studebaker's, and lastly, School City of South Bend (at Lincoln School), retiring in 1978. He also worked part-time at Parkway Bowling Alley for MacMillan and Hoose. He worked for Goodwill Industries on Saturdays with Paul Gordon doing pickups.

Mr. Gardini was drafted in July of 1942 and served in the Army during World War II. He was always proud of being an Army veteran. He got an honorable discharge in October of 1944.

Fred was proud of being the first park director of Rose Park in Mishawaka. He managed the ''Italo-Americans'' softball team and won several Mishawaka championships. Fred was a very good bowler and bowled at Regal Lanes on Fridays at 9 P.M. Shift. He once rolled a 700 at Parkway Lanes.

Rest In Peace, Love, you deserve it. Love from all of your children too. Peace, your wife, Mary.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. on Friday at St. Matthew's Cathedral in South Bend. Rev. Thomas Shoemaker officiated.

Friends called from 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. Eighth Street, Mishawaka. A wake prayer service was held at 3 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church or to the organization of donor's choice.