Samuel "Bruce" Spivak

Samuel Bruce Spivak, age 76, of Hobart, IN, formerly of Schererville, IN, passed away August 5, 2022, at home (as he wished) after a long illness. Bruce was born July 14, 1946, to the late Philip and Grace (Schaafsma) Spivak in Harvey, IL, the oldest of six children. He graduated from Dyer Central High School in 1964.

Bruce is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Maria “Pilar” Spivak; children, Jessica “Jes” (Delphine) Spivak, Becca (Jon) Hendricks, Jodi (Keith) Spivak, Erika Silva, Alfonso Silva, Francisco (Ana) Silva, and Fabrizzio Silva; grandchildren, Adelaide, Rachel, Noah, and Alejandro; and siblings, James (Donna) Spivak, Diane Spivak Rust, John Spivak, and Tom (Angel) Spivak; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Karen Stover; brothers-in-law, George Rust and Lonnie Stover; and son, Alex Mazur.

Bruce honorably served two tours in Vietnam as a Staff Sergeant of the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division for the U.S. Army, and was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery. Following his service, Bruce returned to Schererville and worked as a salesman at Christenson Chevrolet in Highland, IN, then for many years as a salesman at Schererville Lumber and Von Tobel Lumber, and then at 84 Lumber. In his retirement, he enjoyed driving a school bus for Portage Township Schools.

The most important part of Bruce’s day was grabbing coffee and a glass of ice (no water) with his buddies at Paragon Restaurant in Hobart. He found humor in telling his many “dad jokes” to anyone who would listen and was known for his dry sense of humor. Nothing Bruce said was to be taken seriously, unless otherwise noted. And if anyone asked him, “Is there anything else I can get you?” without fail, his answer would be (even as a patient in the ICU), “A bushel basket of $50 bills.”

Bruce enjoyed many hobbies such as fishing, target shooting, playing cards and coin collecting. He was fond of watching Western movies, M*A*S*H, Star Trek, The Andy Griffith Show and anything educational or historic on TV. But most of all, he loved spending time with and doting on his children and grandchildren, and visiting with his family at the annual Schaafsma Family Reunions.

As a connoisseur of food in general (Well, except for chicken. Boy, did he hate chicken!), Bruce greatly appreciated a variety of cuisines from around the world, and he took great pleasure in encouraging his children and grandchildren to try new foods and learn new things. “Don’t knock it ʼtil you try it!”

We are all comforted in knowing that Bruce is no longer bound by his ailments here on Earth. He has probably already started a bonfire, shot at a target, charcoal grilled a T-bone steak with lobster tail, and gone for a ride on his horse, Ajax, out in the country, where he found his peace.

Family and friends are welcome to visit from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2022, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN, and again from 9:30 a.m. until the time of his Funeral at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022. Bruce will be laid to rest in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, just a short walk from his parents, Philip and Grace.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Spivak family.