Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 8/26/2001

John J. Hulecki

June 28, 1928 - Aug. 25, 2001

John Joseph Hulecki, 73, died on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2001.

He was born on June 28, 1928, to Stanislaus and Stefonia (Stankiewicz) Hulecki in Mishawaka, Ind., and was a long-time resident of South Bend, Ind.

He married Marion Miller on Oct. 7, 1950. She survives in Port Orange, Fla. They have seven children who survive John, Steven (Joy) of West Columbia, S.C., Deborah (Allan) Fairclough of St. Augustine, Fla., Carla (Mike) Killelea of South Bend, John S. (Shauna) of Fort Wayne, Ind., Joseph of Atlanta, Ga., Jeffrey (Deb) of Fishers, Ind., and Brian (Lori) of Elkhart. John is also survived by his brother, Peter of Mishawaka; and by his two sisters, Marie Baert Thomas of Mishawaka and Ann Harner of Goshen, Ind.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

After graduating from Indiana University, John began the speech and hearing program in the Clay Township School System. In 1955 he joined the South Bend Community School Corporation and taught until 1957. He then taught as a language pathologist for the Buchanan-Niles-Galien School District for 30 years. In conjunction with his duties as speech pathologist and Buchanan High School drama director, John directed the Buchanan Youth Council.

After retiring from Buchanan schools he worked at Healthwin Hospital with head-injured patients. John was awarded the National Thespian in 1946 for his inspired reading of the poem "America Is Americans," by Borland, at Mishawaka High School. He was active in football, basketball, track, the drama club, speech club and Thespians. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II.

His legacy is honored by his surviving wife, children and his 11 grandchildren: Noah Becket, Jonathan Hulecki, Caroline Hulecki, Kathleen Killelea, Steven Killelea, Rory Killelea, Amanda Miller, Eric Miller, Kelsey Hulecki, Gabe Hulecki and Griffin Hulecki; and by his many nieces and nephews.

A Catholic Mass will be held in Our Lady of Hope, Port Orange, Fla.