Submitted by: Todd Nowicki

Sylvester S. Ornat: (South Bend Tribune 1/15/2002)

Oct. 9, 1919-Jan. 13, 2002 Sylvester S. “Cy” Ornat, 82 of South Bend, Ind., passed away following a brief illness at 1:05 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, in Our Lady of Peace Hospital, South Bend. He was born on Oct. 9, 1919, to the late George and Theresa (Michalski) Ornat in South Bend, and was a lifelong resident. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and Harry Ornat. Mr. Ornat retired from the Bendix Corporation in 1982 after 42 years of services. He was a general foreman in the quality control department. On Jan. 20, 1940, he married Gertrude M. Szumski in St. Hedwig Catholic Church, South Bend. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gertrude M. Ornat of South Bend; one son, LeRoy T. (Bonnie) Ornat of Mishawaka, Ind.; one grandson, Glenn D. (Kim) Ornat of Wakarusa, Ind.; one brother, Al (Jean) Ornat of Florida; and by many nieces and nephews. Mr. Ornat was a member of Holy Family Parish, lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), and was a member of the Bendix Management Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and raising and racing homing pigeons. Sylvester was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be truly missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, in Corpus Christi Catholic Church, with Rev. Walter Bly officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 319 South Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601.