Henry "Hank" Thomas Anonick

Henry Thomas Anonick, “Hank,” age 77 of Warren, died Monday, April 6, 2020 at Ascension St. John Hospital in Warren. He was born April 17, 1942 in Dearborn, Michigan, son of the late Alexander and the late Bertha (nee: Buza) Anonick.

Born into the world as Henry, he would eventually become more affectionately known to all as “Hank.’ A proud graduate of Allen Park High School, Hank went on to bolster that education with some college courses attended over time. Just barely out of his youth, he was 21 years old when he went seeking a position in law enforcement, which culminated in Hank being offered a job with the Detroit Police Department, a career that began in 1963 and spanned 25 years until his retirement in 1988. For much of that time, Hank served as a beat officer in the 4th Precinct, and remembered often the role he played during the Riots of 1967.

Not being one to stay idle for long, Hank soon received another offer to serve as a court officer for Judge James Nowicki of the Macomb County Probate Court, a position he accepted without haste. During his time with the court, fate would find Hank meeting one of the Probate Attorney’s, Mr. John Chmura, and the two became good friends. As time marched on and John found himself in a new position as a judge in the 37th District Court, their shared friendship would ultimately blossom into a working one as well when Hank accepted John’s offer to come work for him as a Court Officer & Bailiff in his court. The two formed quite the team as they marched to the same drummer for many wonderful years. Hank enjoyed many other friendships he had made over the years there, ties that were bound together with esteemed appreciation, respect, and yes,…love. From Judge Chmura, to Mary Clark (a District Court Secretary), to Mark Christian (a retired Detective & 37th District Court Officer), and so many more, Mark can be quoted as saying; “He was such a great guy, one of our courthouse family. Just won’t be the same without him.”

Amid all of this law enforcement and courthouse work, one of Hank’s greatest blessings in life came when he was introduced to the woman who would become his wife. Joan, a Detroit school teacher, and Hank were brought together through mutual friends, a relationship that grew over time and blossomed into the sharing of their wedding vows in becoming husband & wife. Soon there lives would be blessed and enriched with the addition of their three beautiful children, Joel, Thomas and Amy. 

Back to that not wanting to be idle thing, many will remember what a handyman Hank was, and how adept he was in his carpentry skills. Often assisting others with their DIY projects, or simply managing the needs at home, Hank was often everybody’s Go-To-Guy when the y were seeking help with renovations or repairs. Possessing the skills and talents of a union dude, Hank owned a bevy of tools, as well as the know-how to get the job done. Not only did he find great reward in the finished product, but enjoyed the thought of knowing that he was helping others in the process.

One of Hank’s favorite pastimes was enjoyed each time he had lunch at Paparoni’s Pizza on Hayes Road in Warren. But what began as a periodic stop in for lunch turned into more of a steady thing when he found out that the owner as his son were both alumni from the same school. It certainly made for more of a kinship from then on, and Hank was his best customer.

Like many guys, Hank also enjoyed a number of sporting pleasures. When it came to the sports he preferred watching in person or on the television, he was an avid and devoted fan of both the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings, Having experienced both the ups and downs of both franchises, still,…there was no greater fan of his favorite Boys of Summer or his Boys in the Winged Wheel. Champions both, Hank was far more than simply a fair-weather fan. And though it’s a bit of a different watching experience, Hank found great pleasure in attending the annual Air Shows that graced the area each year. Being quite enthralled with everything aviation related, each year provided Hank more and more interesting experiences.

When it came to actually participating in a sport, you could always count on Hank to join you in the golf cart for a trip around the links. Always in search of that elusive Hole-in-One, Hank knew there was little that could compare with the treasure of spending a beautiful day on the golf course with friends. Hailing from the Motor Capital of the world, everyone knew Hank as being a “Connoisseur of Classic Cars,”…especially fond of the classic he owned, a 1979 Chevrolet Camaro. With a little “need for speed,” and the pleasure of watching heads turn as you drove down the road, Hank knew the feeling well and truly loved his piece of Motor City machinery.  

Hank will be revered for being a man of tradition, with one of the most prominent being the dedication he poured into the annual Polish Day Parade in Hamtramck. Being of Russian and Hungarian descent, the fact that he bore no Polish blood was of no consequence, Hank loved the parade and was quite active in its operation and planning for over two decades. With the construction talents he possessed, Hank was always the first one to lend a hand in the design and building of the Planning Committee’s Float each year. He took much pride in its representation, and its position in the parade as well.

Another tradition that was both memorable and tasty were the Birthday Breakfasts he loved sharing with his 10 grandchildren each year. It’s been said, “when you’re eating you’re happy,”…and coupling that with a little “grandchildren time,” made for the perfect recipe in creating those warm & wonderful moments to embrace.

Hank was a pretty special guy. To a man, everybody who has commented on his life has shared much the same support to what a giving, dedicated, and loyal friend he has been to all. The kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back, Hank was also the guy who would have taken it a step further to see what else he might have been able to help you with. He truly had a servant’s heart, unselfish in everything he did. As stated in the Scriptures, Hank truly lived out the words that implore, “Consider others more important than yourself,”…and that was like his motto in life.

A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, Hank lived a life that touched a multitude of people and leaves a wonderful legacy of love for all to cherish who were blessed to know him. He served others, helped others, blessed others,…and in the process enjoyed the fruits that came back to him manifold. He lived large, loved often, and leaves a storehouse of wonderful memories to be embraced with each reflection shared. He will be missed immensely and loved beyond expression.    

Henry was the beloved husband of Joan (nee: DeFour) Anonick, and dear father of Thomas (Elizabeth) Anonick, Joel (Helen) Anonick, and Amy Cook. Loving grandfather of Joshua, Megan, Paige, Mitchell, Madison, Damian, Collette, Sloan, Drake, and Cameron.  Brother of Alex (Joan) Anonick, and Bruce (Susan) Anonick. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren.

Memorial donations are appreciated to the Salvation Army, https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/   St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,  https://www.stjude.org/  or Habitat for Humanity https://www.habitat.org/ 

Please share memories of Henry at his guest book below.