Calvin Patrick Goniwicha

Calvin Patrick Goniwicha, age 90 of Warren, died Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 17, 1928 in Ruth, Michigan, son of the late Albert George and the late Martha (nee: Oparka) Goniwicha.As a young adult, Calvin decided to leave the roots of his childhood and head for the city where opportunities for work were much more promising. Detroit is the destination he chose, and the Dodge Main plant is where Calvin was ultimately hired and worked as an assembler on the automotive line. Then in 1950, Calvin's life was redirected when Uncle Sam came calling and thrust him into the world of warfare as a soldier in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era. Serving in the 5th Army from November 1950 to November 1952, Calvin's last promotion found him attaining the rank of Corporal while serving as a Military Police Officer. So it is, with thanks and praise from a grateful nation, that we pay homage to Calvin for his service to our country and his willingness to stand in harm's way for the cause of freedom & liberty for our allies,…and ultimately for us all. We honor Calvin's patriotism and bravery, and extend our posthumous gratitude for his answering the call to duty with pride and valiance.Equipped with all that training and experience as a military police officer, Calvin's return to civilian life and desire to work found him knocking on the doors of the Detroit Police Department where he was ultimately hired as one of Detroit's Finest. He was hired in 1953 and began a career in which he poured his best efforts to protect and serve his hometown with pride and integrity. Fourteen years later, little did Calvin know how much his life was about to change again,…this time by becoming "part of the news" during the infamous & historic Riots of 1967. It was during that tumultuous time in Detroit's existence that Calvin's knowledge and expertise would propel him to leadership, specifically as the Head of Command for the National Guard unit within the sector he was assigned. It was an incredibly brave endeavor that Calvin accepted with honor, and one that helped make a difference towards Detroit's reclamation process,…and growth beyond the rubble. Calvin's final promotion was to that of a Sergeant Detective, the position he held upon finally accepting his well-deserved retirement following 35 years of loyal and dedicated service to the force, his community, and to his fellow man. Now, along about the time that Calvin was getting his feet wet with the police force, he just happened to be courting the beautiful Miss Mary Ann Storey with whom friendship was slowly turning to romance,…and the hint of betrothal was in the air. That hint soon turned into a broad statement that announced the wedding of these two lovebirds, a blessed event that took place on September 4, 1954 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Dearborn. It was on that magical day, in the presence of all their loved ones, that Calvin Patrick Goniwicha and Mary Ann Storey became husband & wife and began their journey together as one in the eyes of God. Together they built upon the comforts of home and hearth, raised 3 beautiful children, and grew deeper in love with each passing day. It was a journey that afforded Calvin and Mary Ann 63 wonderful years together sharing the joys of marriage and family,…some of God's greatest gifts.Following his years on the police force, and now in the throes of retirement, it didn't take very long before Calvin would discover that a non-working existence just wasn't for him. So along with a resume that included Calvin's distinguished police career, to that he was able to add his stints as a custodial assistant at Tigers Stadium, a free-lance painter, and security guard at the "Top of Troy" off Big Beaver Road in Troy. Like the old adage states, "you can't keep a good man down,"…so off to work he went. And simply as an aside to his role in security, sharing this little bio of Calvin just wouldn't be replete without mentioning a single event that stood out among the rest and provided an interesting talking point for Calvin. With his abilities known to many, Calvin was honored (and quite pumped, I may add) to have been chosen as one of the two bodyguards to accompany and protect the infamous Andre the Giant during his visit to Detroit. Can you imagine? As for time away from work, there was no question that one of Calvin's favorite pastimes involved baseball. Whether he was playing it, watching it, or simply talking about it, it was easy to tell that baseball was a HUGE passion in Calvin's life. In his younger days when playing the game was paramount, he was most proud when he became privy to the fact that the Pittsburg Pirates were actually scouting him for the position of first baseman. Yet even though things with the Pirates didn't pan out, Calvin's passion for his Detroit Tigers never waned. Even up to the second to last day before his passing, Calvin was watching his favorite Boys of Summer with that Old English "D" emblazoned upon their chest.Along with baseball, some other sporting venues Calvin enjoyed included the ever-popular favorites of bowling and golf. From the league action and camaraderie that accompanied bowling, to the simple joys of joining a friend or two for a sunny day on the links, Calvin knew how to have a good time and always sought to bring others along for the ride. Though the competitions within the sports fed the macho factor, the underlying reality is that sharing those moments with those he cared about made for some warm and wonderful memories that he clung to often. And his love of playing cards cannot be forgotten amidst this bio either. Whether it was the game of poker, euchre, or cribbage, rounding up some of his fellow card sharks and sharing an evening together made for a lot of fun over the years. And nothing says fun like sharks around the table, tossing around some cards, and sharing a bit of friendly conversation,…and perhaps a little liquid encouragement as well, eh?A loving husband, father and grandfather, Calvin leaves a host of incredible and wonderful memories for all to embrace who were lucky to know this great man. He touched countless lives in his journey through life, made an immeasurable impact upon the hearts and souls of many, and leaves a legacy of love that is both unique to the man as it was empowering. He will be truly missed. Calvin was the beloved husband of Mary Ann. Dear father of Brian Goniwicha, Gail Goniwicha, and Nancy Oberski. Loving grandfather of Jason and Richard. Brother of Joan (Merritt) Ender, the late Betty Schifano, and the late Robert Goniwicha. Visitation for Calvin will be held Thursday, April 12th from 3-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. He will lie in state on Friday from 9:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church - St. Dorothy Campus in Warren.Mr. Goniwicha's Committal Services, with military honors, will be conducted at 12:30 pm on Friday, June 29th at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Please share memories of Calvin at his guestbook above.