Donald Dominic Borza

Donald D. Borza, 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on November 8, 2025. A lifelong Roseville, MI resident, Don was born on January 3, 1941, in Detroit, MI to Augino and Mary Borza.

Don lived life with remarkable energy and resilience. His career was deeply rooted in the auto industry, where he worked as a certified draftsman for Chrysler until his retirement in 2001. Beyond his profession, Don’s passion for classic cars was unmatched. He shared this love with his sons, Donald, and Daren, attending car shows and cruises with them every summer. For 16 years, he worked security alongside Daren at Continental Lanes’ Friday Car Shows, proudly sitting near his ’64 Barracuda and chatting for hours with friends and fellow enthusiasts. Don and Donald participated for many years in the Model Car Club’s annual shows selling Don’s model cars. The ones he most admired are prominently displayed in his den and his home. Tuesdays were reserved for Ram’s Horn, where Don gathered with his car friends and their cars.

A devoted sports fan, Don most enjoyed baseball and hockey. He cheered for the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings with unwavering loyalty. He even played a season of men’s softball with his sons, serving as their Ace pitcher. Bowling was another joy. He bowled for a few years with Donald in a father-son league and spent over a decade in their Saturday night league with Donald and his daughters-in-law, Mary and Cindy. His grandchildren, Dana, Katie, and Mathew, loved watching him bowl and sharing French fries with their Papa each week.

Music was a constant in Don’s life, especially the sounds of the ’50s and ’60s. He filled car rides with his favorite CDs, often while driving his granddaughters to dance class. In his younger years, Don played the keyboard and accordion and even taught accordion lessons. He once managed a record store and worked in a Roseville shoe store, where fate introduced him to his wife, Dianne.

Family was Don’s greatest treasure. Many birthdays and holidays were often celebrated at Don and Dianne’s home, where he delighted in cooking and baking. His famous banana bread was a staple every year. Papa’s legendary Easter and New Year’s Day tacos remain cherished traditions. Dana and Katie will carry on these traditions, though they know nothing will ever compare to Papa’s touch. Don never sat down to dinner without his ice-cold Pepsi, and toasting to the family before enjoying the company and home-cooked meals.

Devoted husband of Dianne, together for 63 years; loving father of Donald (Mary) Borza and Daren (Cindy) Borza; and proud Papa to Dana Borza, Katie (Cory) Kirby, and Mathew Borza. Don was so excited to be a great grandpa to baby Cameron Kirby. Don was predeceased by his siblings Eugene, Shirley, Virginia, Julie, Sylvia, and Edward.

A true classic—Don, Dad, Pops, Papa—will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. His memory will live on in countless memories and stories throughout every season, especially within his family whom he loved so dearly.

Visitation for Donald will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 2 PM to 7 PM, with service at 6 PM at Kaul Funeral Home, 27830 Gratiot Avenue, Roseville, MI 48066. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Donald’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Please share memories with the family on Donald’s online guestbook.

St Jude: https://www.stjude.org/promotion/impact-giving-pm.html?sc_dcm=137187318174&sc_cid=kwp&sc_cat=b&&&&&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17681679263&gbraid=0AAAAADuyZN7zV_xgTVMLs2fQo5RArbjcf&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4dqdl-vskAMVT2tHAR2kBA66EAAYASAAEgJh6fD_BwE