Robert Edward Debrowsky

Robert married his beloved wife, Barbara, on August 27, 1960, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church in Detroit and were married for 63 wonderful years. Once married, Robert and Barbara joined St. Malachy Church, where they were parishioners for more than 40 years before moving to Macomb, and joined St. Isidore Catholic Church. His faith was strong and he spent a lot of time active in many church groups including the Knights of Columbus.

Robert was a tool and die maker at Mardigan Corporation for ten years before moving on to DTE, where he spent over 20 years of employment as a trade instructor at the Technical Training Center at DTE.

When his daughters were growing up, Robert enjoyed coaching their softball teams. When he became a grandfather, volunteering for football team dinners and attending endless basketball and football games was a highlight for him.

Robert always found solitude in nature. The cottage in Port Sanilac, MI was a perfect get away spot where he could sit and enjoy the sounds and sights of the lake surrounding him. In addition, the family traveled all over the country in the camper, seeing mountains, lakes and forests. Sitting by the St. Clair River with his cousin Lenny, fishing all day and rarely catching anything, he would be happy enjoying the scenic view and the company of family. Even at home, he enjoyed the outdoors by landscaping and gardening.

Family meant the world to Robert. He always looked forward to hosting holiday parties, playing games he insisted he didn’t want to play, and having the most fun with everyone.

When Robert and Barbara retired, they spent time as a volunteer usher at the Macomb Center and as a docent at Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College. They also spent their retirement years traveling all over Michigan through senior bus tours, enjoying day trips together. Outside of Michigan, Robert especially loved visiting historical locations like Jamestown in Boston, Massachusetts. While driving, expect to have the Willie Nelson station playing on the radio. Old music and movies resonated with him and he connected with the sentiments.

Robert is survived by his wonderful wife, Barbara, the cherished father of Suanne Williams, Jeanine (Robert) Petitta, and Michelle (Joseph) Audia. He is the treasured grandfather of Jeffrey Robert, Jaclyn (Elliott), Marisa, the late Kayla, Alexis, Nicholas, and Joseph. Robert is the dear brother of Thomas; uncle of Kimberly and Keith.

A memorial in state for Robert will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. Isidore Church, 18201 23 Mile Road, Macomb, Michigan, followed by a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. A celebration of life luncheon will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1920 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, Michigan US. https://www.cskdetroit.org/more-than-about-food/; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society, https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/Donation.