On October 18, 2022, we lost Edward Pokoj, a great man, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Ed was survived by his high school sweetheart of 60 years, Marilynn, their daughters Robin Pokoj and Renee Burke, son-in-law, Tom and grandchildren, Tommy and Brittany. He is also survived by his brothers, Casey and Mickey (Kathie).
Ed was born on August 18, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised in Hamtramck and graduated from Hamtramck High School in 1959.
He was a businessman and entrepreneur. He owned a gas/service station in Roseville, Detroit, and Cass & Sons which was a Hamtramck staple. Ed was also a lobbyist in Washington DC for oil company dealers. He even went back to his former high school and taught shop.
Ed was a car buff at heart. He built and raced cars. Ed exhibited cars at various venues including Cobo Hall and Meadow Brook. He collected and restored classic cars, and won numerous awards for them. Ed was also an active member of the motor city Cadillac and LaSalle club.
He was an athlete and sports enthusiast; coaching high school football. Ed also (officially and unofficially) coached his grandson Tommy’s sports teams- Red Barron’s football, Mudhens baseball, and Bulldogs hockey. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave his granddaughter Brittany’s volleyball games at Grosse Pointe North High School.
A Memorial Mass is planned for Ed at Our Lady of Hope Church, 28301 Little Mack Ave (corner of Martin Rd) St Clair Shores, MI 48081 on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. (Instate 9:30 a.m.). A luncheon will be held following mass at Encore Banquet Center, 21801 E 9 Mile Rd., St. Clair Shores.
