Stanley D SPARAZYNSKI

10 MAY 1923 - 15 NOV 2016

• BIRTH: 10 MAY 1923, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 15 NOV 2016, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: ABT 30 AUG 1947, St Joseph County IN

INDEX

[N8527] Stanley D.“Sparky” Sparazynski
May 10, 1923 - Nov. 15, 2016
Stanley "Sparky" D. Sparazynski, 93, of South Bend, IN passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at Briarcliff Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Stanley was born May 10, 1923 to Vincent and Lucy (Witucki) Sparazynski. He was a lifelong resident of South Bend and attended Washington High School, where he played on the football team and was a drummer in the band. Stanley married Ruth A. Burzynski on August 30, 1947 in South Bend where they made their lifelong home.After high school, Stanley's first job was at the Studebaker Corp. From January 27, 1943 through December 5, 1945 Stanley served in the U.S. Army Corps of Combat Engineers. He participated in five major battles and campaigns in Europe which earned him several medals, one silver service star and numerous other citations and decorations. Most of Stanley's career was with the City of South Bend as a firefighter, retiring on 10/1/1988 with over 30 years of service. Although the last 17 years was served with the Fire Protection Bureau as an Inspector in the downtown area, his love and brotherhood with his firefighters began at the old Station 4 on the corner of Walnut and Thomas. Those men remained lifelong friends. Sparky would often say "my biggest enjoyment as a firefighter was when I served with the men of Station 4." Upon retirement, Stanley was awarded a key to the City of South Bend. Stanley was a devout Catholic belonging to and worshiping at St Adalbert's Catholic Church all of his life. Although his eyesight failed and he could barely walk, he never missed attending Sunday Mass until May, 2015. His faith and love of family was paramount in his life. The love between Stanley and his bride Ruth has been an inspiration of commitment, love and faith to many. Stanley was a life-long Notre Dame and Cubs fan, enjoyed cooking, especially baking, euchre, dancing polkas and was very proud of his Polish heritage. He was a member of the St. Joe Club, Pulaski Post 357, Holy Name Society of St. Casimir Church and the Indiana Fire Fighter's Association. Stanley's surviving family includes his wife Ruth of over 69 years, his daughter, Nancy Trippel of South Bend; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Wayne) Gunn of California, Chris (Jamie) Trippel of Utah and Meredith (Donny) Delp of Georgia; and four great-grandchildren, Carter and Caroline Delp, and twins Cohen and Chloe Trippel. Stanley also left behind numerous nieces and nephews and his good friend, Howard Milbourn, who was a wonderful friend to him and took exceptional care of him during the last chapter of his life at Briarcliff. Stanley was preceded in death by his sister, Irene Mucha; and brothers, Ted, Vincent and Henry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Adalbert Church, 2505 W. Grace St., South Bend, IN. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, where the Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Stanley's memory be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka IN 46545. The family extends gratitude and thanks to the staff of Briarcliff and The Center for Hospice Care. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com