Keith J. Hadary

Keith Hadary, (Chops or Chopper, as he was fondly called by friends) age 61, went to be with the Lord after a 3-year battle with brain cancer. He was born on October 11, 1963, in Mishawaka. He was born to the late Julius Hadary and Judi (Bob) Sutton. He is survived by his wife, Michele, of 29 years and his sons Nathan and Nicholas Hadary, his mother, Judi Sutton, his sisters Lisa (Randall) O'Lena, Amy Vicsik, and Robin (Justin)Walters and several nieces and nephews: Ally Vicsik, Jake Vicsik, Maddy O'Lena, Zach O'Lena, Hayden Walters, Wyatt Walters and a great nephew Jaxson Shay.

Keith was a 1982 graduate of Mishawaka High School, a veteran of the US Army and served on the St. Joseph County Police Department for almost 30 years retiring as a Captain of the Warrants division in March 2024. As a police officer he served on the SWAT team, the jail division, the Road patrol, the detective bureau, the special crimes unit and the drug unit. 

Keith loved working the Notre Dame football and basketball games and worked tirelessly at many side jobs to provide for his family. The loves of his life were his two boys. From the time they were young, he was involved with them in sports. As a devoted father, he traveled, coached and supported his boys in every endeavor they took on and he reveled in their natural athletic abilities. One of his biggest joys were his 3 doodles: Finley, Gus and Murphy. He absolutely loved having a house full of dogs.

Keith was an avid Cubs, Bears and Notre Dame fan, but loved all sports and watched sports enthusiastically from baseball to football to UFC to even hockey. His claim to fame was being named to the Whiffleball Hall of Fame as a "defensive master." Keith also loved to fish and golf when he was able, loved to cook and loved going to the Jersey Shore every summer with his family. Keith and his wife spent many dates at Lake Michigan whenever God gave us beautiful weather. Our Chops will be greatly missed. He touched many people's lives and left an indelible imprint on everyone he met.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Thursday, February 13, 2025, at St Mark Missionary Church, Mishawaka. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 11:00 am funeral service on Friday, February 14, 2025 at St. Mark Missionary Church. Cruz Family Funeral Home of Osceola has been entrusted with his care. We invite those unable to attend in person to join us for a livestream of the funeral service, so everyone can honor and remember Keith together by viewing his service in real time in the livestream window below. 

In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to the VA through the secure link provided, or a gift to the family may be given through our secure crowdfunding campaign below. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Keith’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook Tab above.