John J. Barilich

John Joseph Barilich beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many passed away on June 23, 2024, peacefully at his residence. He was 98 years of age and a lifelong resident of South Bend, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father Frances and Frank Barilich. John was part of a large family, and his brothers infant Frank, Rudy, Steve, and Joe preceded him in death. He joins his wife Agnes to whom he was married for 66 years who preceded him in death in 2014. Also preceding him in death is his son John Edward Barilich in 2021.

John was a veteran having served in World War II in the Navy in the Pacific theater on the repair ship USS Tutuila (ARG-4) where he served as a Seaman 1st Class. The repair ship followed the U.S. island-hopping campaign in the Pacific and repaired damaged ships from the combat zone. After the war he returned to South Bend and managed the St. Anthony’s social club and worked at Sibley Foundry for which he is best known.

He worked at Sibley’s for 39.5 years where he was known as a nearly tireless worker. He worked his way up to become the Production Superintendent  until his retirement in 1980. An expert in metalcasting, In 1973 he started Refractory Specialists which installed fire-resistive linings for the metalcasting industry. He closed the business in 2005.

John had a passion for flying. He received his pilot’s license in 1947 and continued to fly until 2023 at the age of 97.

He was an avid Notre Dame football fan having attended games starting in the 1950’s and a long-time season ticket holder who was a familiar face in the south endzone.

Having been raised on a farm, he had a passion for growing plants. He was known for his yard of roses which eventually reached 400 plus rose plants.   It was the subject of Notre Dame and IUSB art classes as well as featured in the South Bend Tribune. In addition to growing the roses in the harsh Northern Indiana winters, his rose garden was surmised by individuals knowledgeable to have been the largest non-commercial residential rose garden in the country.   

He was a dog lover and avid fisherman. He liked to travel on fishing trips to Canada with his friends, the last of which he did in 2022 at the age of 96.

Surviving him are his sister Frances Toth of Elk River, Minnesota, his son Tom Barilich of Elgin, IL, grandson John Thomas “JT” Barilich of Gilberts, IL, and Maurita Gill confidant of South Bend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.      

Visitation will be held at Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue, Wednesday July 17th 4-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am Thursday, July 18th in Holy Family Church.  Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.  To leave an online condolence, visit our website, www.zahoran.com
 

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