IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Michael Peter
Livovich Jr.
July 28, 1951 – July 28, 2022
Obituary
Dr. Michael Peter Livovich, Jr. of South Haven, Michigan, passed away peacefully on
Thursday, July 28, his 71st birthday, due to complications of cancer. Born to Michael Sr. and
Loycene Livovich in Gary, Indiana, in 1951, he grew up quickly in responsibility, assisting his
parents–his father, a disabled veteran, and his mother, deaf. He graduated from Portage High
School in 1969, and then earned Bachelors and Masters degrees from Ball State in 1973 and
1977. While at Ball State, he was a member of Delta Chi fraternity, a Cardinal Corps Host, and
a leader in the Student Center Governing Board.
His career started in 1973 at the Porter County Special Education Cooperative as a
teacher and pre-vocational coordinator for "at risk" students at Portage High School. Always an
energetic leader, Michael became the youngest Director of Special Education in Indiana in
1978, and led the Westlake Special Education Cooperative from 1980 to 1999. Federal law had
only just recently ensured the right for disabled children to have a full, appropriate education
and Michael was a leader in a new generation of administrators who implemented the policy
and set standards at building and district level, thoughtfully designing procedures and
championing exceptional kids against resistant leadership. He served as President for both the
Indiana Council for Exceptional Children and the Indiana Council for Administrators of Special
Education (both of which recognized him with Distinguished Service Awards), and tirelessly and
passionately advocated at the local and state level for fuller inclusion of ALL children in the
classroom.
He earned his Ph.D. in educational leadership from Indiana State University (1999),
writing his dissertation on Servant Leadership. He was superintendent for Adams Central
Community Schools (1999 to 2002) and Hanover Community School Corporation (2002 to
2008) and proudly raised academic standards and updated facilities during his tenure. He wrote
manuals and gave workshops nationally about local compliance with federal education laws and
acted as a consultant to many districts. Dr. Livovich later brought his student-centered
approach to positions at East Chicago Public Schools, Michigan City Area Schools, Allegan
Area Education Service Agency, and as an adjunct professor at several local colleges including
Purdue Northwest, Governors State University, and Calumet College.
Michael was proud of his family and was fiercely faithful to them. A life-long Catholic,
Michael married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Kuznicki–his beloved "Annie"--in 1972
and together raised their children Crista Tharp (Chad) , Mary Ann Tomondi (Sean), Michael
(Kris Hanna), Matthew (d. 1977), and Katharine Monnier. Michael and Mary Ann recently
celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by the loving family that they cultivated,
including 15 grandchildren: Mathew Chad, Jordan Andrew, Terin Michael, Julia Marie, Rebecah
Grace, Elia Luz, Emily Ilaina, Josephine Day, Michael Peter, Elijah Sage, Del Joseph, Ava-
Elisabeth, Gabriel Thomas, Catherine-Anne, and Nicholas Charles. As a husband, father, and
grandfather, he vigorously and consistently communicated his love and made it visible in action,
always in loving tandem with his wife Mary Ann. He forged many strong and lasting friendships
and continually provided advice, support, and encouragement to scores of people. He was
especially close with Vicky and Donal (d. 2020) Chambers, his Aunt Janet Kaletta, and his
beloved sister, Rebecca Sabo.
Michael loved music, cooking, and travel and he was a talented artist. In 2018, Michael
and Mary Ann retired to South Haven, Michigan, where they watched sunsets, tended their
vegetable and flower gardens, enjoyed spending time with new friends, and remained involved
in community activities.
In lieu of flowers, the Livovich family requests donations to the Special Olympics.
A viewing will be held at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road Hobart, IN on Wednesday, August 3,
from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Rosary at 7 p.m.) and a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Sorrows
Parish 356 West Seven Mile Road Valparaiso, IN on Thursday, August 4, at 10:00 a.m. (with viewing starting at 9 a.m.). (219) 942-2109 or share online condolences at
www.reesfuneralhomes,com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dr. Michael Peter Livovich Jr., please visit our flower store.
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