William Joseph Karpinski

William Joseph Karpinski 'Bill', age 76 the former Fire Commissioner of the City of Warren and longtime resident, died suddenly September 18, 2011 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bill was born May 05, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan the son of the late John Karpinski and the late Elizabeth (nee: Ignash) Karpinski.Bill was on the Warren Fire Department for 34 years. He joined the department in 1961; promoted to sergeant in 1973; lieutenant in 1980; became Chief of the EMS in 1982; and was Fire Commissioner from 1985 until his retirement in 1995. He was an active member of the Metropolitan Club of America and the Michigan Association of Public Employees Retirement System (MAPERS). The list of Bill's volunteer work would fill a novel.For more than 16 years, Bill traveled to the Traverse City area monthly to be with his grandchildren. Whether he was attending a ballgame, taking the grandkids on walks in the northern Michigan woods or just spending time with them at home, Bill always showed his grandchildren how much Papa loved them.Golf was a pastime he loved with all his heart, but nothing could compete with the love he had for his grandchildren. They were his life, his joy. He spent every moment he could with them, attended every event they had, and wouldn't hesitate to brag to whomever would listen about how smart and funny they were. If you saw Bill looking at his grandchildren, the look of love and pride on his face was unmistakable. We'll miss his uncontrolled bouts of laughter, his corny jokes, his funny dances, his 'road rage', his frequent hugs, his infectious smile, and his unconditional love. He's left a hole in our hearts and we will love him forever. He was known by many names: Bill, Billy, Billy Joe, Dad, Papa and Grandpa Bill. He was wise, compassionate, supportive and full of integrity. He left an imprint on the hearts of all who knew him.Dad, we know you're playing a round of golf up in Heaven. We'll meet you at the 19th hole.Bill was the beloved husband of over 45 years to Carol (nee: Pillow) Karpinski, and the loving father of Cheryl Karpinski (Michael Strang), and Michael (Debbi) Karpinski. He was the cherished grandfather of Zachary, Faith, Melanie, Kelsi, Ethan, and the dear brother of Dolores (Bob) Peake, Jackie (the late George)Warnick, Margie (the late Joe) Swatsworth, Rita (Cecil) St. Pierre, and John Karpinski. Memorial Visitation will be held Thursday 4-9pm, and Friday 4-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski and Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Rd. at Common (12 ' mile). The family will receive friends Saturday 9am at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church until the time of the Funeral Mass at 9:30am. Please share memories of Bill at his guest book.