Aug.
17, 1925 - March 14, 2009MISHAWAKA - Peter "Pete" Rodich, 83, of Mishawaka, died on Saturday, March 14, 2009. He was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 17, 1925, to Joseph and Phoebe (Curry) Rodich, who preceded him in death. He was raised in Shephardsville, Indiana, by his maternal grandparents, William and Dorothy Curry. Pete married the former Ruth E. Cinotto in Clinton, Indiana, on July 4, 1947. He is survived by Ruth, his wife of nearly 62 years; a daughter, Terry Jo (Tony) Landis of Goshen; a son, Gary Rodich Sr. of Mishawaka; two granddaughters, Kimberly (John) Bodell of Granger Jennifer Rodich of South Bend; two grandsons, Aaron (Tami) Kobb of Mishawaka and Gary (Abigail) Rodich Jr. of New Carlisle; great-grandchildren, Rachael Bodell, Antony, Liam and Maya Rodich. Two sisters, Mildred (Harvey) Yelich of Galloway, Ohio, and Jean Ann Jackson of Aurora, Illinois; and a brother, Eugene (Laura) Rodich of Greenfield, Indiana. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph, Robert and Nicky, and a great-granddaughter, Kaley Bodell. He worked at Ball Band from 1947-1953. He joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 in September 1954 where he served on the advisory board and the executive board. He was also a business representative from 1981 to 1987. He was a Gold Card member and was honored as a 50- year member in 2004 when he retired from the union. He served as Mishawaka City Democratic Councilman for the 6th district from 1980-1992. He had served as St. Joseph County Highway Commissioner. Pete received the Distinguished Hoosier award by Governor Evan Bayh on Dec. 12, 1991, and the Council of The Sagamores of The Wabash by Governor Evan Bayh on June 11, 1996. Pete served in World War II in the 1st Army 3rd Armored Division (Spearhead) and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. He was a life member of VFW Post #360, Knox Masonic Lodge #639, American Legion Post #161, and a Life Member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend. Pete was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs. The family will be accepting friends on Tuesday, March 17th, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, with Rev. Ervin Mize officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions in Pete's name may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.