- Date Of Birth: September 29, 1915
- Date Of Death: April 1, 2006
- State: Indiana
Rocco P. Papandria
September 29, 1915 – April 1, 2006
Rocco P. “Rocky” Papandria, 90, of South Bend, passed away peacefully at 9:35 PM Saturday, April 1 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Rocky was born on September 29, 1915, in South Bend to Peter and Elizabeth (Lupresto) Papandria who preceded him in death along with his brother Sam Papandria. He is survived by brothers, Anthony, Peter, and George Papandria of South Bend and sisters, Josephine Bamber of South Bend, Jennie Andrea of New York, and Anna Rhoads of Michigan.
He is also survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Helen (Molnar) Papandria who he married at Our Lady of Hungary Church on January 10, 1942; his son Rocky Jr. (Dianne) of Lakeville, daughters, Rebecca (Daniel) Reasor and Annette (Kevin) Klingel of South Bend and Sheryl (Dan Covey) of Vandalia, Michigan. Also surviving are grandchildren, Renee (John) Bulger, Gina Klingel, Chris (Taryn) Papandria, Nick (Maria) Papandria and seven great-grandchildren.
Rocky was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the 293 rd. Ordinance in World War II between 1943 – 1945. In 1947 he and Helen purchased the “Corner Cafe’ ” on Lincolnway and Sample Street in South Bend and continued to expand the business from tavern to a well known restaurant. Several years later they changed the name to “Rocky’s Restaurant & Lounge” and they and their children served many customers from the South Bend and surrounding areas until Rocky retired in 1978. During those years he also owned and operated the Sherry Ann Restaurant and enjoyed the many Notre Dame football trips with his friends and customers.
After retirement, Rocky was always busy with one venture or another and especially looked forward to his lunch outings with the “Pepper Gang”. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and wonderful friends.
The Papandria family would like to extend its grateful appreciation to Rhonda Fuller and Stephanie Nyers for the wonderful care they have given Rocky and Helen over the last few years.
