John Bernard Urbanek

1944-2024

John Bernard Urbanek, age 80 of Harper Woods died peacefully Sunday, August 18, 2024. John is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Rosemary. John was the loving father of Kristine McDonald (John), Jennifer and John Nathan; and proud grandfather to Regan & Lauren.

John was born on January 19, 1944, on the east side of Detroit, Michigan. His love of all things automotive lead him to start his automotive repair career right out of high school. He opened his own company, Pointe Automatic Transmission on Three Mile in Detroit in 1965, which subsequently moved to St. Clair Shores in 1967. During his lifetime, John built and raced hotrods (including one of the first turbine dragsters) and motorcycles. He was an avid downhill skier and a member of Surf and Snow club where he first met Rosemary. John kept countless cars on the road for customers, and happily raised his three children alongside a very understanding and loving wife.

John was a man of great faith and someone you could always count on to lend a helping hand. He was very passionate about fixing anything mechanical and helping a friend in need. He was defined as a “Mechiatrist” by many whom he helped along the way. He was the one you could call at any moment for advice on how to fix anything by just making a sound of the noise it was making. He enjoyed the Men’s Bible study with his friends at St Lucy. He also enjoyed organic farming and spending time relaxing and fishing on his boat on Lake St. Clair.

A visitation for John will be held Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. A rosary service will occur Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 7:00 PM, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236.

An instate will occur Monday, August 26, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St Lucy Catholic Church, 23401 Jefferson Ave, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080. A funeral mass will occur Monday, August 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St Lucy Catholic Church, 23401 Jefferson Ave, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080.