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In Memory

Richard J VanMele - Class Of 1952 VIEW PROFILE

 

Richard J. “Dick” Van Mele

August 20, 1934     ~     October 8, 2022

 

Richard J. “Dick” Van Mele was born in South Bend, Indiana on August 20, 1934 to Joseph and Kathleen Van Mele, who were children of immigrants from Belgium and Hungary. Having been born with club feet, he learned to handle adversity at an early age. He was the first child of a large family of cousins to graduate from high school. He put himself through college at the University of Notre Dame by working evenings as a clerk in a local trucking company; he graduated in 1956 with a BS degree in Accounting & Finance. Dick also earned his JD degree in 1967 from Indiana University.

Dick began his professional career as an Assistant Professor of Commerce and Law at Ball State University. In 1970 he joined the Associates Corporation as Executive Vice President of Governmental Affairs, representing financial institutions before Congress. Dick travelled nationally until 1976, when he made a conscious decision to spend more time with his children. He purchased the Bath Insurance Agency in 1976, the Michiana College of Commerce in 1979, and the Robertsons Department Store in 1981.

Dick loved giving back to his community. During the 70's and 80s's he served as Indiana Toll Road Commissioner, and Chamber of Commerce President. He also was recognized with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award for inspiration in leadership and the Key to the City of South Bend Award for outstanding economic development. 

After retiring in 1998, Dick and his wife moved from South Bend to Sebastian, Florida. Dick was far from ready to sit at home and simply enjoy life. Since he never wished to be far “in spirit” from his beloved Notre Dame, one of the first things he did was to establish a Notre Dame Alumni Club, which grew to one of the larger alumni clubs in the country. As a life-long Catholic, Dick quickly became involved in his parish, St. Sebastian, by serving on the Knights of Columbus, the Pastoral Council, and the St. Vincent de Paul Boards.

Being formed through adversity, Dick reacted with dignity and grace as he faced a number of serious health issues over the next decade. Most trying was the fact that his left club foot began to disintegrate and his left knee became inoperable, requiring him to become wheelchair-bound. This did little to quench Dick's desire to help those less fortunate; he championed his fundraising talents to help a number of struggling non-profit organizations. Those fundraising efforts did not go unnoticed. In 2004 he received the Florida Homeless Services Council Award for contributing the most to aiding and minimizing homelessness in the state, and in 2005 Dick received the National Philanthropy Unsung Hero Award. The organizations closest to his heart were The Homeless Family Center, Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, The Women's Care Center, and Catholic Radio. 

In late 2019 Dick was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. He fought a valient battle for three years, but on October 8, 2022 Dick passed away at Hospice House. He is survived by his wife, Debby, of 41 years; three children: son, Scott Van Mele of Portland, Oregon; daughter, Mary Gallegos (spouse: Thomas) of Sebastian, Florida; and daughter, Michelle Van Mele of Barefoot Bay, Florida; one step-son, Christopher Meyer of Sebastian, Florida; and three grandchildren: Justin Van Mele, Anthony Gallegos, and Michelle Gallegos. Dick is also survived by his brother, John Van Mele (spouse: Janice) of Granger, Indiana.

A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, October 25th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 13075 U.S. 1, Sebastian, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Dick's favorite charities. Interment will take place on October 29th at Mary, Holy Mother of the Church Mausoleum in Cedar Grove Cemetery on the grounds of the University of Notre Dame.

MEMORIAL MASS

St. Sebastian Catholic Church 13075 U.S. 1 Sebastian, FL

October 25, 2022 at 11:00 AM

 

10.29.2022  djb

 

 

 



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