Richard "Dick" Gene Sisti

October 3, 1941 ~ November 1, 2023

Richard “Dick” Gene Sisti, a lifelong resident of South Bend of 82 years, passed away peacefully with his loved ones at his side after a year long battle with cancer on November 1, 2023. Dick was born on October 3, 1941, to the late Anthony Paul and Katherine (Griesinger) Sisti. He graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School in 1960, with the highlight of his highschool career winning two state swimming championship titles with his relay team. He went on to finish his undergraduate studies at Baldwin Wallace College in 1964 followed by volunteer work in the Peace Corps that same year. He served in the navy from 1966-1970 and finished his masters in European history at Notre Dame in 1971. 

A blind date set up by Dick’s cousin, Janet Griesinger, aka “The Matchmaker”, ended up in marriage exactly one year later on July 10, 1971 to his wife, Marla. The two of them started their new life and teaching careers in Tampa, Florida where Dick settled at St. Leo College. Dick and Marla eventually returned back to South Bend where Dick continued his teaching path at Southwestern Michigan College and later retired at The Stanley Clark School after thirty-one years. He had unorthodox teaching strategies which included -but not limited to - copying dictionary pages as discipline, lining the back of the room with spiny cacti to prevent weary heads from bobbing, slapping a yard stick on desks in an effort to keep the focus, opening up windows during the winter to prevent yawning and blowing his whistle at every student walking in late to class. Although he was a teacher who commanded attention, Mr. Sisti made history come alive in the classroom and loved every one of his students. 

In addition to teaching, he was out on the field coaching middle school football with Coach Finn and Coach Fannin. It was during these coaching adventures on the gridiron where Coach Sisti and Coach Fannin invented the Clark playbook, which included the secret weapons, “The Statue of Liberty” and the “Fumblerooskie” plays. He accompanied many 7th grade students on the school Canada trip where he shared cherished moments with Doris Smith, Janine Gerrard and Deborah Chudynski. 

Dick’s retirement in 2005 allowed him to focus on his many interests which included genealogy, gardening, perfecting the art of lawn edging to a laser-sharp precision,  suffering through many frustrating games of his beloved Fighting Irish and Chicago Cubs, camping/hiking/fishing at National Parks, traveling with his wife and Kiara across the country, spending quality time with his kids/grandchildren and catching glorious sunrises and sunsets with his family at Warren Dunes, Frankfort, MI and Fort De Soto Beach. He was an avid reader and had a mind built like an encyclopedia, often showcasing his impressive history knowledge during Jeopardy. Dick remained particularly close with other Stanley Clark teachers, such as his beloved breakfast club buddies, Roger Cox, Brad Brickner and Al Wylie and his favorite lunch duo, Elsie Nemeth and Nancy Ball. He would often revisit Stanley Clark at Alumni Day, sharing memories and a burger with Jim Tallman, George Lund and Caryn MacKenzie. 

Richard is survived by his wife, Marla and their children, Ryan (Shana) Sisti, Anthony “Tony” (Ema) Sisti, Joseph (Jenn) Sisti, Mary C. (Jason) Kuspa Sisti, and Paul (Ryan Mary) Sisti. He was a proud grandfather and adored by his grandchildren, Bear, Fox, Athena, Jordan, Kiara and Austen.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, November 9th, 2023, from 3PM-7PM at Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46614 as well as an hour before the service at the church. Funeral services for Richard will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Zion Community Church, 211 South St. Peter St., South Bend, IN 46617. Private Military burial will take place at Southlawn Cemetery. 

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Khan, Dr. Tsai and all of the staff from Michiana Hematology and Oncology, Loyola Hospital and Center for Hospice Care for their expertise, kindness and support throughout Dick’s cancer journey. Richard will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and his past students whose lives he touched. Whether it was in the classroom, on the field or in the home, Richard pushed for excellence but always found a way to encourage everyone to simply, “Do your best…and that will always be enough.”

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Augustine Food Pantry, 1501 West Washington Street, South Bend, IN 46619. Online condolences may be offered to the Sisti family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

11/04/2023 djb

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/RichardDickGene-Sisti