Submitted by: Dan Rich

Richard R. Rospopo

Nov. 16, 1933 - May 17, 2007

South Bend Tribune 5/19/5007
SOUTH BEND - Richard R. Rospopo, 73, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 2:15 A.M. Thursday, May 17, 2007 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, following an illness. He was born on November 16, 1933, to the late John and Florence (Eberlein) Rospopo in Mishawaka, IN, and was a lifelong area resident. Along with his parents, one brother, James Rospopo also preceded him in death. Mr. Rospopo retired on June 1, 1994 from NIPSCO, after 28 years of employment. He was a 1951 Graduate of Mishawaka High School.

On September 12, 1953, he married Dixie L. Grounds in Christ the King Catholic Church, South Bend, IN. She survives. Along with his loving wife Dixie, of 53 years, he is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Klota of South Bend; one son, Thomas (Michelle) Rospopo of Greenville, WI; two grandchildren, Christopher Klota and Adam Klota, both of South Bend, IN; one sister, Evelyn (Gary) Weldy of South Bend, IN; and one brother, Raymond (Ann) Rospopo of South Bend.

Mr. Rospopo was a member of Christ the King Parish, where he was an usher at the church. He was also a member of Mishawaka Alumni Association, St. Casimir Married Men's Club, St. Hedwig Holy Name Society, and Mishawaka Eagles Lodge. Richard was an usher at both the Notre Dame Football Stadium and the Joyce Center for 48 years. He coached boys' basketball at Christ the King Catholic School for 11 years, where he won an I.C.C.L. championship. Richard was also involved with Clay J.B.A. baseball, where he served as the past president, coach, and was head of the umpires for many years. He was an avid Notre Dame and Chicago White Sox baseball fan.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2007, in Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 21, 2007, in Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 or to American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.