JOHN R. GARAPIC, JR.
Another brave soul of the Greatest Generation has passed on. John (Johnny) R. Garapic, Jr., 90 years young, went to be with his Lord on February 23, 2013. Resident of Brentwood at Hobart, he formerly lived in Valparaiso. Johnny was born in Gary on August 14, 1922 and graduated from Lew Wallace in 1940. He enlisted in the greatest Navy in the world in 1942, shortly after Pearl Harbor. He proudly served his country in WWII aboard the U.S.S. Bernadou D.S.153, where he participated in the Italian Theatre. While in the Navy, John was a Carpenter's Mate Third Class, and spent time as a boxer aboard ship. After his honorable discharge in 1945, he married the beautiful Marie Sandner of Missouri, who preceded him in death in 1982. In 1984, Johnny retired from McGill Manufacturing after 16 years as a Tool and Die Maker. He enjoyed playing the bass, harmonica, mandolin, and guitar at jam sessions throughout Lake and Porter counties as a member of the local band, Continental Touch. He loved to fish and enjoyed making fishing lures. Johnny loved his mother's apple strudel, Elvis, telling stories of growing up in Gary, and was an accomplished joke teller. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, John and Mary Garapic; sisters, Martha Fernandez, Ann Garapic, Ella Dorall; brother, Edward, and dear friend, Vivian Spencer. John is survived by sister, Joanne (Frank) Petruch, Munster; sister-in-law, Bonnie Garapic, AR; nine nieces and three nephews; and devoted family friends, Sue and John Wille and family, Crown Point. Johnny was a good man and will be missed by many. Thank you to all his Angels at Brentwood and Fresenius, Hobart. Funeral services are Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. prior to the service at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart with Deacon Richard Huber officiating. Burial to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery. Call (219) 942-2109 or visit us www.reesfuneral homes.com..