Nov. 27, 1941 - Aug. 19, 2010SOUTH BEND - Richard J. Bandera went Home peacefully at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, August 19, 2010, while at home with family. Richard was born in Chicago, IL, on November 27, 1941, to the late John and Eleanor (Scarborough) Bandera. While attending college at Loyola University, he met Geraldine T. Boril, the love of his life. He often said that everyone on campus knew about her because of her free spirited personality and unselfish assistance of those in need. After spending a lifetime with her, he described her as "an angel on earth." They married on August 27, 1966, and together they joined the Peace Corp. The first adventure began in Brazil, where Vincent was born. After returning to the USA, Dick and Gerry did their best with God's blessings, observing closely the book of Genesis 1:28 to "Be fruitful, and multiply." Vince quickly gained some playmates, and when the dust settled, Greg, Jeff, Mary, Julie, Sarah, Peter, Barbara, Elena and Rebecca joined the family. With Gerry's support and faith nurturing the children's spirits at home, Dick, utilizing his Math degree and unending dedication to perfection, went out to support his family at a variety of professional positions. He worked at Chicago's Public High Schools, Argonne National Laboratory, RJA Associates and finally AM General in 1976, retiring now September 1, 2010. His Catholic Faith was his driving force, and he remained active in the Cursillo; Charismatic Renewal; and Marriage Encounter. A brother, Joseph preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Gerry, and their ten children, Vincent, Greg (Blanca), Jeff (Lisa), Mary (Jeff) Lewis, Julie (Cameron) Mitchell, Sarah (Matthew) Pellico, Peter (Cara), Barbara, Elena (Tony) Wildrick, and Rebecca (Omar) Ramos. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers: Denis, Charles, Marie (Bob) Cyborski, Edward, Margaret, William (Joyce) and Paul (Lucille) and many nieces and nephews; and loving grandchildren Meli, Allison, Madi, Brenna, Preston, David, Sheridan, Julia, Evelynn, Daniel, Matthew, and James. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, August 23, 2010 in St. Adalbert's Catholic Church, South Bend, IN. The family will welcome friends at a viewing from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 22, 2010 in the St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend, IN.