Mar.
23, 1949 - Nov. 17, 2009SOUTH BEND - Robert "Bob" Piper, 60, passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at his residence. Bob was born on March 23, 1949 in Detroit, MI and was a longtime resident of South Bend. He graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School and then honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp. Bob was later employed by Thrifty Mart, AM General, and eventually the South Bend Community School Corporation where he spent many years at Jackson Middle School serving others. Recently retired, he enjoyed his family, making others laugh, and his friends at Logan's on Ireland Road. He is best known for his generosity, quick wit, sense of humor, "balking tackwards", edge-of-your-seat driving skills, and love of poetry. He is survived by his parents, Hazel (Jerry) LaCanne and Vincent Piper both of South Bend; along with his two children, daughters Danielle (Christian) Minnes of South Bend, and son, Christopher Piper of Mishawaka; four granddaughters, Savannah, Olivia and Jillian Minnes, and Alexis Piper; a brother, Mike Piper of Lansing, MI; sisters, Connie (Charlie) Renaldi of Elkhart, and Sharon Darkovich of Chesterfield, OH. Family and friends may gather at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2009 to celebrate the life of Bob Piper in Southside Baptist Church, 1130 Jackson Road, South Bend where a Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Scott Smith officiating. ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 1827 E. Ireland Road, South Bend is assisting the family. May he truly "Pest in Reace" In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert Piper Memorial Fund at any 1st Source Bank. For those who are unable to attend the Memorial Service, condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.