Gary Van De Velde

Sept. 10, 1949 - Dec. 26, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Gary Van De Velde, 59, of South Bend, died Friday, December 26, 2008, in his residence following a short illness. Gary was born September 10, 1949, in South Bend, to the late Maurice and Margaret (Bella) Van De Velde, and was a lifetime area resident. He was a wonderful, loving, devoted son to his mother.

He grew up on Johnson and Brookfield streets with his best friends, Steve Horvath, Joe Kagel and Larry Carmola, and will be missed by all who knew him. When he was able to work he was a life insurance salesman.

He graduated from LaSalle High School and attended Purdue University.

He was very knowledgeable regarding sports in general. His knowledge and insight was so proficient that he hosted a show on public access television that was a sports commentary show and was known as "Commander Vandy." He was also a rabid St. Louis Rams fan and San Diego Chargers fan and loved their lightning bolt. He loved and was very knowledgeable about rock-and-roll music and going to the local theaters to watch the latest movies.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 2nd in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 309 S. Taylor St., where he was a parishioner. Rev. John Klimczyk will officiate. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may gather in the church from 1:30 until the time of service. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St., is handling arrangements.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jan. 1, 2009.

08/30/2022 EJS