Richard J. Tumidalsky, 88 of Whiting, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2017.  He is survived by his beloved wife and caregiver of 61 years, Geraldine (nee Dosen); loving father of Richard (Linda) Tumidalsky (HPD) and Michael Tumidalsky (HPD); cherished grandfather of Geena Lauren and Alexa Marie Tumidalsky; dearest brother of Magdalene (Robert) James and Dolores (late William) Tobias and the late Irene Smith, William, Robert, Joseph and Benedict Tumidalsky; dear brother-in-law of Gloria Kaminsky; proud uncle to many nieces and nephews

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting with the Rev. John E. Kalicky, C.PP.S., officiating; interment, Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville; visitation at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00pm. The St. John Rosary Society, together with members of the parish, will offer prayers at the funeral home on Wednesday at 4:30pm.

Richard Tumidalsky was born on January 16, 1929 during the great depression and was one of eight children born to John and Gizella (Grausgruber) Tumidalsky. Richard was very religious and was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting and the Knights of Columbus, Pope John XXIII Council, 1696 (prayers Wed. at 7:00pm). He was a US Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict attaining the rank of Sergeant and was a member of the American Legion, Whiting Post 80 (Memorial Service, Wed., at 6:00pm). Following his service to his country, he landed a job at the Standard Oil Whiting Refinery, working various positions, he became a technician in the automotive lab on New York Avenue, running tests on the viscosities of engine oils in test mule motors that ran 24/7 to check durability and performance. That prompted him to buy a 1960 Oldsmobile Super 88 since the engines he monitored were from Oldsmobile. In 1961, he became a police officer with the Hammond Police Dept., working 32 years, serving and protecting the citizens of Hammond until he retired in 1993. His brother Benedict was a die hard fire fighter also for the City of Hammond who retired as a Battallion Chief as well as his brother-in-law William Tobias who was also a firefighter and retired as Chief of the Whiting Fire Dept. Serving and protecting obviously must have “ran in the family” since Richard’s two sons are also Hammond Police Officers, continuing to serve and protect. Richard’s greatest hobby was early VW Beetles. Many people who knew him recognized his love for the Volkswagen. He loved working on them no matter what condition he found them in. He could actually replace a motor in 30 minutes and have it running down the road. It was his pride and joy of accomplishment. As for police work, he always said he never wanted to retire from the police department and wanted to work there forever. He had so much love for his job and the profession. It must have been in his soul , even though he constantly worked three extra jobs during his career every week just to make ends meet for his family, providing for them so they would not have to do without. He did the best he could with what he had. He always thanked the Lord for what was provided whether good or bad. He will be greatly missed by all who he charmed his presence with, but we now can begin a celebration of his life and the impacts he graced on all of us while he lived on this earth. 

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