John J. Grabowski, 99, of Livonia passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019 surrounded by loving family. John was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 15, 1920 the second of two sons born to Andrew and Catherine (Urbanski) Grabowski. John grew up in Detroit and attended Wilbur Wright High School followed by entry in the Tool & Die Apprentice Program at Ford Motor Company. He worked for Ford Motor Company as a Tool & Die Maker for 37 years retiring in 1975. He met the love of his life, Mary Balcer, at a wedding. They married on November 15, 1941 at St. Francis Church in Detroit. Their marriage lasted 76 years until he lost his beloved Mary in August 2018. Together they raised two daughters, Christine and Kathleen. With his wife at his side, he traveled to Poland at least once a year for 40+ years. They also enjoyed membership in the Polish National Alliance and the Polka Boosters Club. John was a member of the Moose Lodge in Dearborn Heights.
John is survived by his daughters, Christine (Ron) Felcher and Kathy (Doug) Kath; grandchildren, John (Ronda) Felcher, Susan (Douglas) Wertman, Mary Jo (Jeffrey) Luke and Cindy Felcher; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Felcher, Katie Felcher, Christine Wertman, Brittney Wertman, Doug Wertman, Brendan Bushart, Stephen Bushart and Luke Bushart.
Friends may visit on Friday, August 2, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Harry J. Will Funeral Home 37000 West Six Mile, Livonia, MI 48152. Visitation continues on Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:00 a.m., at St. Kenneth Catholic Church 14951 North Haggerty Road, Plymouth, MI 48170. Fellowship and luncheon will immediately follow the Mass at St. Kenneth.
John will be placed together with his wife in the All Saints Mausoleum at St. Hedwig Cemetery in a private ceremony at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in John's name may be made to the Capuchin's 1820 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, MI 48207 or Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154.
Please share memories of John or condolences with his family at his on line guestbook.
