Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 3/19/2004

Frank J. Spalazzi

May 28, 1910 -- March 17, 2004

Frank J. "Chesko" Spalazzi, 93, of West 11th Street, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away peacefully at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, in Hospice House, South Bend, Ind., surrounded by his family.

Chesko was born on May 28, 1910, in Mishawaka, as the son of the late Carlo and Primetta (Ferrettie) Spalazzi. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Ann; a son, Carl; a sister, Catherine; and by a brother, Henry. On Feb. 15, 1936, in North Judson, Ind., he married the former Rose M. Bau, who preceded him in death on Nov. 12, 2003.

He is survived by a daughter, Maxine Buysse of Clinton Twp., Mich.; a son, Dennis (Linda) of Cincinnati, Ohio; five grandchildren, Nicole Buysse of South Bend, Kristi Buysse of Mishawaka, Scott Buysse of Lafayette, Ind., Ryan Spalazzi of New York, N.Y., and Gina Spalazzi of Bloomington, Ind.; and by a son-in-law, Barry Buysse of Elkhart, Ind.

Chesko was a lifetime area resident. They made their home in Mishawaka where they raised their family. Chesko had worked for the City of Mishawaka Street Department and the Parks Department, and had also worked for Bendix and Studebaker, but when it came time for him to retire he did so from Interstate Glass Company where he worked for 25 years as a glazier. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, a member of the BK Club and Eagles, and was very active in Di Amici Club where he was a past vice president and sergeant-at-arms. Chesko was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was known by almost everyone on the west side of Mishawaka and will be truly missed by all.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. with a wake service at 6 p.m. today, March 19, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 20, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill St., Mishawaka, with Rev. Robert Yast officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Frank "Chesko" may be made to Hospice House of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637-3437; or to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill St., Mishawaka, IN 46544.