Thomas Cafretsas

Thomas Cafretsas Jr., age 53 of Warren, died Saturday, December 10, 2005 at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, after battling cancer. Thomas was born October 31, 1952 in Detroit, Michigan the son of the late Thomas Cafretsas and the late Nikki (nee: Balatsoukas) Cafretsas. He is survived by his loving wife Penny (nee: Panos). His dear sons; Thomas, Andrew, and Christopher. Loving grandfather of Ashley. Dearest brother of Helen (Dennis) Gutterson, Mary (Matt) Varcak, George (Tracy) Cafretsas, Tasoula (Joe) Vansil, Stella (Jack) McKay, Peter Cafretsas, and the late Fanny Roehrig. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Thomas grew up in Detroit graduating from Finney High School. After High School he attended Wayne State University and then joined the City of Detroits Police Department. During his last eight years Thomas worked in the aviation department as a pilot and police officer, flying helicopters over the city. When Thomas was not working for the Police Department he could be found working other jobs to support his family. His family will always remember him as a hard working man. When Thomas was not working he enjoyed his time with his wife and sons, often taking the boys to Tiger baseball games or playing tennis, and on occasion fishing. He also was an avid Stroh Brewery memorabilia collector. Visitation for Mr. Cafretsas will be Monday December 12th, from 2-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 Mile). Also on Monday evening there will be a Trisagion Service at 7:00 pm. Mr. Cafretsas will lie in state Tuesday 9:30 am at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter Road, St. Clair Shores, until the time of the Funeral Service at 10:00 am. Officiating the Funeral will be Rev. Fr. Michael Varlamos and Rev. Fr. Tom Michalos. Interment will be at Cadillac Memorial Cemetery East in Clinton Township. Thomas son Andrew will remember his father as his hero, a proud man and selfless police officer Heros First, first he takes the oath, Now look at all he takes; He takes it in stride when people call him pig. He takes his lousy paycheck realizing he will never be rich. He takes a second job sometimes to make ends meet and support his family. He takes time to stop and talk to children. He takes your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket you really deserved. He takes on creeps you would be afraid to even look at. He takes time away from his family to keep you safe. He takes your injured child to the hospital. He takes the graveyard shift without complaint because it is his turn. He takeshis life into his hands daily. He takesyou home when your car breaks down. He takes time to explain why both your headlights have to work. He takes the job no one else wantstelling you a loved one has died. He takes criminals to jail. He takes in sights that would make you cry. Sometimes he cries too, but he takes it away because someone has too. If he is lucky, he takes retirement. He takes memories to bed each night that you couldnt bear for even one day. He takes time to explain to his family why he cant make the ball game his child is in and why he has to work on the holiday when other parents are off. Sometimes, he takes a bullet. And yes, occasionally he may take a free cup of coffee. Then one day he pays for all he has taken, and God takes him. Please remember that the he in all this represents all police officers, both men and women, who have served and are serving our cities and their citizens they have sworn to protect. God bless ALL cops everywhere! In loving memory of Thomas Cafretsas Loving husband, wonderful father, loving grandpa, beloved brother