Charles R. "Charlie, Chuck" Kuskye July 25, 1930 - Nov. 6, 2015 SOUTH BEND - Charles R. (Charlie, Chuck) Kuskye, 85 years old, passed away Friday, November 6, 2015 in Memorial Hospital surrounded by his extended family. Charlie was born in South Bend on July 25, 1930 to Ruth (Stanton) and Charles B. Kuskye both of whom preceded him in death. On April 8, 1986, in Las Vegas, NV, he married Rita, the love of his life, thus the "extended family". Charlie graduated from Riley High School in 1950 and shortly thereafter serving in the National Guard Reserves. He then entered and graduated from the Indiana Police Academy, joining the South Bend Police Dept. in April 1953, serving 25 years, lastly as Det. Sgt. of the ArmedRobbery/ Homicide squad, retiring in August 1978. In 1979, he was asked to serve as Town Marshall of Roseland, IN for another 17 years, making his police career of 41 years, a career he loved and respected. He was one of the first Bomb Squad members of the SBPD and also initiated the first Policeman's Rodeo in South Bend as well as initiating the first Canine Unit while walking his beat with his beloved Shepherd, "Isk". While on the Roseland PD at Christmas time, he would dress up as Santa Claus, driving his squad car, stopping cars with children in them, scaring the beejeebers out of the drivers, only to hand out candy canes and Shoney bears to the children. He also donated his time playing Santa Claus for many organizations and charities. Charlie was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his family. His love and way with animals was phenomenal; he especially loved horses and his Shepherds. He was President of the Triple R. Horse Club. He was a people person and once you met Charlie, you never forgot him. During the storm of 1978, he traveled on his snowmobile delivering groceries to the elderly and medications to the sick as far away at New Carlisle. He was very strong, but a gentle giant, patient with others' shortcomings and when he shook your hand, you thought twice about doing it again! It was his trademark. He had a heart as large as his muscles. He was a joker and you never knew when he was serious or joking, many times intimidating. He was an old school police officer, friendly and compassionate and gained the respect of many while walking his beats. One could sit for hours listening to his tales of the old riots in the neighborhoods, the rodeos, his bomb squad experiences, and his days of showing his favorite appaloosa, Black Hills, in horse shows around the state. He enjoyed his weekend rides on his Harley with Rita, traveling to Las Vegas before his illness, and bragging to everyone about his wife's cooking and baking! Charlie was a member of Police Lodge 36 and was a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite for over 60 years as well as a member of the Indiana Shriners. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Rita, six children: Deborah Kuskye and her children: Todd (Beth), Joshua (Christina) Weiss, daughter Kimberly (Brian) Zimmerman; Janet (David) Pace and their children: Heather (Tom) England, Tonya (Jeff) Proud, Justin (Rebecca), and Jenna (Rafael) Pace of San Antonio, TX: John Kuskye and his children, David and Krista: Cheryl (William) Hilton and their children: Adam (Veronika) and Ashley, all of Wasilla, AK: Mark (Sheryl) Skibinski and their children, Jeremy, Cennie, and Jennah: Lori (John Landrum) Corpe and her children, Timothy, Blade, and Ashlyn, both of whom were so very close to his heart. He also leaves behind 20 great-grandchildren and Booker, his beloved Yorkie. Charlie will be remembered for not only his strong stature but for his love of his family, his strong religious convictions and integrity to judge the good in people no matter the situation. Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 11th from 4-8 PM at Kaniewski Funeral Home on Bendix Drive with services by SBPD at 6:00 PM and the Scottish Rite at 7:00 PM. Viewing will be one hour on Thursday from 10 to 11 AM with services to follow at Epworth Memorial Church on Lincolnway West. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/southbendtribune/obituary.aspx?n=charles-kuskye&pid=176389670&fhid=7050&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.akKhrTGZ.dpuf