Eugene Jeffer Gelil

Eugene Jeffer Gelil, Sr. age 86, died Sunday, November 24, 2019 at his home in Eastpointe, Michigan.  Eugene was born May 23, 1933 in Dearborn, Michigan, son of the late Alil Gelil and the late Lottie (nee: Wojcik) Gelil-Dzielinski.

Eugene sometimes was called Eugene, or Gene, or Jeffer... however, he answered with a smile to any of the above.  He was raised in Hamtramck and attended Cass Tech High School where he studied Fire Safety and Emergency services, along with high-pressure boiler operations.  He later achieved his boiler operator license and second class refrigeration operations license.  Eugene went to work for North Detroit General Hospital on Carpenter Street in Hamtramck, where he worked from 1957 until 1993.  While at the hospital, Eugene kept the facility running smoothly and, during his many years there, received many awards and accolades, retiring as the Director of Facilities Operating Engineer.

Eugene would work at North Detroit General Hospital until his retirement. However, after retirement he returned to the work he loved, serving at Mount Clemens General Hospital as the Hospital Facility Engineer.  Eugene was a member of the American Society for Hospital Engineers, the Michigan Hospital Engineers, and the Industrial Fire Protection Section of the National Fire Protection Association. 

Eugene was the consummate optimist who would greet any stranger with a smile and ask, "How are things in Glockamora?"...which usually confused many, but put a smile on their faces.  Away from work Eugene enjoyed boating and visiting his cottage in Michigan's thumb region.  He had a passion for music and could play the accordion.  He would play Nat King Cole records because it was his wife's favorite entertainer, along with listening to big band music. 

In retirement, Eugene's favorite pastime was to visit the Daily Dozen Donut Shop on a daily basis. His favorite confection was their Coconut Custard donut. But if they happened to be sold out of them, then his response would always be, "just give me a Niblet."  He truly was the smile ambassador for the shop, chatting and putting a smile on many customers faces.  Quiet time at home for Eugene was usually spent with his faithful dog by his side, a Beagle by the name of Nikki.  He loved Nikki unconditionally up until her death.

Eugene was the beloved husband of the late Jean Dolores Gelil and was the dear father of Jeffery Gelil, Jennifer (Eric) Adkins, James (Valerie) Gelil, Jacqueline (Mike) Lewis, Jerome Gelil, and Jonathan (Helen) Gelil. He was the loving grandfather of 15 and great-grandfather of 8. Further survivors include his siblings, Pat (Jerry) Lasinski, the late Teddy (Diane) Dzielinski, Joseph (Sara) Dzielinski, and many dear friends from the donut shop.  Eugene was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Virginia Kroll, and Joseph Dzielinski.

Visitation for Eugene will be held Friday from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road). Mr. Gelil will lie in state Saturday 10:30am at Holy Innocents Catholic Church until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11am. Celebrating the Funeral Liturgy will be Reverend Fr. John Wynnycky.

Memorial donations are appreciated to the Humane Society. Please share memories of Eugene at his guest book below.