Daniel A. Zacharias

Dan was born on February 20, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, and was the third child of Albert and Sabina (Schipinski) Zacharias, and brother to Melvin, Barbara (McGregor) and Diane (Roudebush). He met Judith Marie Rokwicz when they were attending different high schools in Center Line and married her on September 7, 1963 at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Warren. They lived in Detroit for four years before eventually moving their young family to Warren, where they lived for the next 30 years. Once their children grew up and moved out of the house, they enjoyed retirement in Clinton Township.

A graduate of Center Line High School, Dan proudly served two years in the United States Navy, where he was assigned to the USS-Soley (DD-707), and four more as a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve before being honorably discharged in 1964.

Dan found his professional calling in law enforcement as he protected and served the citizens of Detroit and Warren for a combined 25 years before retiring in 1998. During his tenure with the Warren Police Department, he received numerous commendations and also provided security for former mayor Ted Bates, who held that position from 1967-81.

In retirement, Dan continued to help others. His vast assortment of tools was put to good use because neighbors, family members, and friends understood that he could fix anything. Whether it was a leaky faucet, faulty light switch or new location for a phone jack, everyone knew Dan was your man. Whether it was complimenting a restaurant server for doing an excellent job or finding ways to make his doctors laugh during challenging times, Dan always tried to bring a little bit of joy to people. The only group who probably wouldn’t agree were the many unlucky salespeople who were forced to haggle with him over what extras they were willing to throw in after negotiating the price of a new car.

Above all of that, however, was Dan’s intense love and devotion to his family. He didn’t participate in traditional hobbies because he preferred to do things like throw his kids around in the backyard pool that he personally installed or show off his patented hook shot on the driveway that he helped repave. Nothing gave him more pleasure than spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow from babies to teenagers.

Even though he was slowed physically following heart valve surgery in 2016, he maintained his trademark sense of humor and found daily enjoyment online keeping up to date with the latest news or watching highlight videos of his grandchildren on the athletic field.

Dan is survived by his wife of 61 years; children, Daniel (Lisa) of Clemmons, NC; D’Ann of Macomb Township and grandchildren Sarah and Samuel. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Visitation for family and friends invited to celebrate Dan’s life from 1-4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Road, Clinton Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the American Heart Association.