George Thomas Bicanich

George Thomas Bicanich, 82, of St. Joseph, passed away, Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Mr. Norm Crawford officiating. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team will follow at Riverview Cemetery.  Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations may be made to Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville.  Those wishing to sign George’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. George was born May 9, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to George T. & Cloella (Cokley) Bicanich.  He graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1954.  George entered the United States Army and served his country during the Korean War.  On December 17, 1955, he married the former Betty Jane Gulliver in Benton Harbor.  George graduated from Green’s Barber College in Detroit, and after working for a couple of area barbers, opened his own shop on Napier Ave. across from Fairplain Jr. High School, which he operated for many years.  After closing shop, he continued to cut hair for family & friends at his home.  George was an avid sports fan, his favorite teams being the Chicago Cubs & Bears.  He cherished the time spent with his family. George is survived by his wife Betty; his children-Sandra (Robert) LaPrade of Avon, CO, Cheryl (Thomas) Krol of Overland Park, KS, John Bicanich of Benton Harbor; seven grandchildren-Katie (Travis) Lilly, Drew Krol, Alyssa Krol, Patrick Bicanich, Chris LaPrade, Matt LaPrade & Jeff LaPrade; his sister Vonda (Donald) Johnson of St. Joseph; and numerous nieces & nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents-George & Edna Bicanich and Cloella & Michael Antonelli.