Stephen Sipocz, 86 / July 2, 1925 — July 14, 2011

Published 6:49 pm Friday, July 15, 2011

Stephen A. Sipocz, 86, of South 14th Street in Niles, died at 1:27 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2011 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend following a brief illness.

Mr. Sipocz was born July 2, 1925 in South Bend to Michael and Anna (Seamen) Sipocz. He was a lifetime area resident. He retired in 1988, after more than 32 years of service from Bendix Corp.

Stephen was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in South Bend, where he was a eucharistic minister. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Army. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, open wheel car racing and building model airplanes. He was an avid fan of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers.

On Jan. 21, 1956 in South Bend, he married the former Maria Sotomayor, who survives. He is also survived by their children, Frances M. (Dennis) Richardson of LaPorte, Ind., Steve E. Sipocz and Sandra L. Sipocz both of Niles; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Sipocz was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Stephen A. Sipocz will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 18 at Christ the King Catholic Church in South Bend.

Committal Rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, July 17 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles; with recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. Contributions in memory of Stephen may be made to the donor’s choice.