Samuel J. Rodino

On Sunday, February 28, 2016, Samuel J. Rodino, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, died at Hubbard Hill Estates.
He was born on March 19, 1931, in Elkhart to the late Joseph and Mary (Patanelli) Rodino. On May 7, 1960, he married the love of his life, Christine Y. Stepanek. They were inseparable until the time of her death on November 18, 2006. He is survived by his six children: Lydia (Craig) Adams of Goshen; Lana Davis (Ray Stults) of Elkhart; Jed (Kassie) Rodino of Holland, MI; Jennifer (Joseph) Annee of Indianapolis; Jill Schnell of Elkhart; and Jeffrey (Melissa) Rodino of Bristol. He is also survived by two sisters; Concetta (Joseph) Eppers and Lenora (Timothy) Carl; and 16 grandsons, one granddaughter, two step-grandaughters and one step great-granddaughter. Sam was a lifelong resident of Elkhart. Growing up on Harrison St, he attended St. Vincent’s grade school. He graduated from Elkhart High School in 1947 and entered the University of Notre Dame at age 16. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1951. During that time, he was an outstanding baseball and basketball player. Of special note, he played third base for Notre Dame, was an all-star for the Northern Indiana League American Legion, and coached various little league teams in Elkhart.
He graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 1954. From there he spent two years in the U.S. Army stationed at Camp Stewart, GA, serving as a Jag Officer. While serving, he introduced Indiana’s “brand of basketball” to the Jackson, SC, town team. He began practicing law in 1956 at the law offices of A. J. DeDario. He went on to open his own office and remained in private practice until he retired at the age of 78. In 1958, while watching a local TV program, he spotted this beautiful girl singing “Amazing Grace.” He was determined to meet that girl, Christine, who eventually became his best friend and wife. Together, they were devoted to their family and their faith and were rarely seen apart.
He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, the Indiana/Elkhart Bar Association and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed family travel, golf, reading, and was an avid Notre Dame and Cubs fan. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and attended many of their events. He was a great mentor and friend. He loved music and loved to dance.
He was deeply loved by so many and will be dearly missed by all.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. (no prior visitation). Burial will immediately follow in St. Vincent Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to St. Thomas the Apostle Church or Hubbard Hill Estates (with a notation that it goes to purchase a handicap accessible van). Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.