John Tombrella

John Tombrella, age 92, died Friday, September 4, 2015 at the Oakmont Assisted Living Facility in Sterling Heights, Michigan. John was born April 1, 1923 in Birmingham, Alabama, son of the late Joseph Tombrella and the late Giovanina (nee: LaBarba) Tombrella.At a young age, John's family settled in Detroit, Michigan where he attended Detroit Public Schools and later went to work on the assembly line for Chrysler Motors. Everything in John's life seemed to be running smooth until Uncle Sam called him to protect and serve in the United States Army.John served gallantly with Company D in the 112th Infantry doing tours in Normandy, France, Northern France, and Central Europe before being wounded, captured, and serving as a POW for over ten months. For his heroic and courageous service to our country, John earned the Purple Heart, 3 Bronze Star Service Medals, and the European, African, and Middle Eastern Service Medal.Upon his return to the United States and the Detroit area, John went to work for the United States Postal Service as a custodian where he would work for over 30 years until his retirement.When John was not working, his family was the center of his life. He cherished the time spent at his children's events, and later at his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's events as well. In his younger years, John loved to take the family camping at the Pigeon River campground and other areas over the years, too. He was also an avid sports fan favoring the Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings. John was such a social person who loved people. Any person who had the opportunity to meet John was forever a new friend. John made a tremendous impact on every person he met with the huge heart he possessed.Additionally, John enjoyed the times spent with his many buddies playing cards, going to the gym, or just out for a meal. The time spent was filled with many laughs and colorful conversations.John Tombrella was the beloved husband of the late Mary, and is the dear father of David Tombrella and the late Barry Tombrella. He was the father in-law of MaryLee (Ted) Tonkoshkur, and the loving grandfather of Barry "BJ" (Chrissy) Tombrella, Gina (Angelo) Coschino, Christopher (Jessica) Tombrella, and great-grandfather of Barry III, Nicolette, and Joseph. Mr.Tombrella was the the brother of Joseph (Mary) Tombrella, brother-in-law to Lorene Tombrella, and is also survived by many other loving family members. Mr.Tombrella was predeceased by his seven siblings. Visitation for John will be held Tuesday, September 8th from 5-9pm and Wednesday from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. Funeral Services for Mr.Tombrella will be held Thursday, 11:00 am at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery with full military honors.Please share memories of John at his memory book above.