John E. Barilich

John Edward Barilich, 72, passed away Sunday, September 19, 2021 in his residence.

John was born on March 18, 1949 to John and Agnes (Sostaritz) Barilich.  John attended Holy Family School and was a 1967 graduate of St. Joseph High School.  John graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1971.  He also received a Master’s in Social Work from Indiana University in 1974 and an Executive MBA from the University of Pittsburg in 1999.

John worked in healthcare for 44 years.  He began his career at Memorial Hospital and also worked at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.  In 1975 John began working for the Department of Veterans Affairs.  He worked at eight VA Medical Centers retiring in 2006 as the CEO/Medical Center Director of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina.  After his retirement from the VA he worked for the President of the Medical University of South Carolina until his retirement in 2010.  During his career he received numerous awards but was especially proud to receive the 2001 VA Social Worker of the year award.  He was also very proud to have had the privilege of serving veterans for 34 years.

John was preceded in death by his life partner of 35 years, Eric Turner.  He was also preceded in death by his mother, his grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.

Surviving are his father John of South Bend, brother Thomas “Tom” of Elgin, IL and nephew John Thomas “JT” of Gilbert, IL

Cremation will take place, A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30am Friday, October 1, 2021 in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame.   Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.zahoran.com or our facebook page Zahoran Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John E. Barilich, please visit our floral store.