Geoffrey Dean Paluzzi

Geoffrey Dean Paluzzi, 62, of Mishawaka, let the good times roll and moved on to the after party on June 20, 2022. In true saving the best for last fashion, Geoff was the last son born to the late Joseph and Amelia “Nellie” (Buttner) Paluzzi in Mishawaka, IN on September 25, 1959. During the years of his youth Geoff was known to be a hard worker who also enjoyed a good time.  He and his brother, Chris and honorary brother, Brett Heckaman, could be found wherever a good time could be had, and if there wasn’t one, they would create one.  His wife learned to ask why before answering the question “Are you related to the Paluzzi’s who grew up on McKinley?”  

Geoff graduated from Penn High School in 1979, where he participated in track and field as well as football. After graduating he worked at McKinley Frame for a short time before proudly joining Local #172 Plumbers & Pipefitters Union. During his 40 years with Local #172 he became an elected officer of the Union, as well as holding positions on the Plumbers Exam Board and serving as a Trustee to the 401K plan.  Geoff was a regular volunteer in the Christmas in April program where tradesmen volunteered their time making repairs for needy homeowners in South Bend.  Geoff also enjoyed his part in helping Michiana grow and expand, happy to point out any and every building he worked on. 

Though he spent the majority of his working life with Local #172, it was at McKinley Frame that he found the love of his life, Beverly Krieger. A champion of smooth talk, and quick with a witty pick-up line, Geoff met his match when Bev started working there as a receptionist. They were married on September 16, 1989, in South Bend. Together they ventured all over the US and to various tropical vacation spots over the years. They were also well known on the slow pitch softball circuit in the Michiana area.

They passed on their love of the game to their children. Geoff coached his daughter, Jordain, in softball at East End/MBSA and was always willing to act as a stand-in umpire or base coach for his son, Eric’s, baseball teams. He acted as a mentor to any kid who needed him and gladly gave up many afternoons for fielding or batting practice. When his youngest son, Luke, decided to pursue football, Geoff had no problem switching gears and delighted in getting to watch him play for over a decade as he progressed from youth leagues to the Mishawaka High School team. Regardless of the activity, Geoff was sure to show his support for his children and his “extra kids,” that he acquired over the years. His home, advice and his time were always available to not only his family but anyone who needed it.

Geoff was truly a music man and found joy serenading his wife, children and other passengers on car rides. He could name just about any “oldies” song and the year it was released as well as where he was when he first heard it. His love for the music of his youth managed to find its way into nearly every family gathering. If there was a party, dinner or even game night the sounds of Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, ELO, Journey, Elton John, and Bob Seger could be heard.

More than anything it was those game nights, family dinners and events that Geoff loved most.  He entertained anyone willing to listen with stories of his life, family and friends. He loved to spend time with his friends and family around a table with good food and maybe a glass or two of wine.

Geoff is survived by his wife of 33 years, Bev Paluzzi; children, Jordain (Kolton) Sizer, Eric (Amber) Paluzzi and Lucas (Hailey) Paluzzi; grandchild, Theo Paluzzi; siblings, Angela Paluzzi, Mark Paluzzi, Christopher (LeeAnn) Paluzzi, Janet (Robert) Kelsey, BethAnn (Bob) MaCahill; and special sister-in-law, Candace Joy (Mike) Andresen.  Geoff truly loved his family and all of his nephews and nieces as well as goddaughter, Jennifer Heckaman; lifelong friends, Brett (Theresa) Heckaman and Paul (Lisa) Hummel.  Truthfully this could have gone on forever if we listed every friend Geoff ever made, he never knew a stranger and was always sure to say hello to everyone he knew. Geoff was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Joseph Paluzzi, Nicholas Paluzzi and Patrick Paluzzi.

There will be a Celebration of Geoff’s Life at 4 pm on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka with visitation from 1 pm-4 pm. 

Donations can be made in Geoff’s memory to Habitat for Humanity, 402 E. South St., South Bend, IN 46601 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Geoffrey Dean Paluzzi, please visit our floral store.