LAWRENCE R. BANICKI

Aug. 22, 1935 - Nov. 18, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Lawrence Ronald Banicki, lifetime resident of South Bend, IN, was born on August 22, 1935, and passed away November 18, 2009, in Golden Living Center of Mishawaka.

He was a 1954 graduate of Washington High School.

On April 25, 1959, he married Sharon A. DeFreeuw in South Bend, IN. Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Banicki; his daughter, Pamela (Thomas) Walkowiak of South Bend, IN; his sons, Michael Banicki of Mishawaka, IN, Kenneth (Delphine) Banicki of Lake Elsinor, CA; his grandchildren, Christopher Walkowiak, Shaun Banicki, Tori Banicki; and his great-granddaughter, Emma Banicki.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Banicki, deceased April 1951, Josephine (Grochowski) Turza, deceased November 29, 2000; his stepfather, John Turza; and his loving daughter, Deborah A. Banicki who went to God after battling a longtime illness on June 13, 2000.

Larry was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy and retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier after 37 years. Larry was passionate about his music, he was a musician in South Bend from 1950-1981. He was orchestra leader of The Continentals dance band for 21 years and entertained at several Navy shows. He was a member of the N.A.L.C. Union Branch 330, past member of Musicians Local #278, attended Michiana College of Commerce, and was one of the original members of the Jakers Jacket Club. He was also a member of Holy Family Church. Larry was a devoted husband and father to his four children.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 22nd in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a rosary will be said at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. November 23rd at Holy Family Church at Mayflower Road. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. To send online condolences, please visit Kaniewski.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21, 2009.

03/23/2023 EJS