Robert Ernest Kocian

Robert “Bob” E. Kocian, 81, of Grosse Pointe Woods entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Born to parents Joseph and Emily Kocian on August 9, 1941, Bobby, as his mom called him, was the second child of his parents. Throughout life, Bob enjoyed many hobbies and loved to be outside, golfing, boating, fishing or just working around the yard. Bob also enjoyed traveling, especially going on cruises. He absolutely LOVED the food that they served on cruises. Bob was a full-of-life person. He always had a joke up his sleeve and was quick to start singing, often without any prompting, music or encouragement. He talked to dogs like he did people, even cooking for them like he would his family. He loved garage sales and gifting his finds. He went out dancing well into his 70s. He was a member of Our Lady Start of the Sea Church, where he and Elaine were married. He took devoted care of his wife without complaint until she passed away in 2016. His family will miss how he told the story of how they met at the water cooler at work. He always said he used the “Kocian Charm” to get her, and it always made his family laugh. Heartbroken that they didn’t get to say goodbye, but forever grateful for the time they had together. Bob was filled with love for his family and friends and was a light in this world. He will be deeply missed by many.

Bob was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Louise “Elaine” Kocian; parents, Joseph and Emily Kocian; brother, Joseph A. Kocian Jr.; as well as his “very special lady friend” Judy Barker. He is survived by his loving children, Jeffrey (Ellen) Kocian, and Kimberly (Michael Ware) Tanghe; cherished grandchildren, Marissa (Derek) Gavlinski, Scott Kocian, and Catherine Kocian; loving cousins, Earnestine Koch, Maryann Langevin, Kenny Operhall, and Kathy Operhall, among many others.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you consider a donation to either the Capuchin Father’s Soup Kitchen or Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.