Roman Halanski

Roman Halanski, age 95 of Warren, Michigan, died peacefully on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Detroit Henry Ford Hospital. He was born in Detroit on April 27, 1925, son of the late Peter and the late Karoline (nee: Protasiewicz) Halanski.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, services for Roman have been postponed and will be revisited in the form of a Memorial Service to be held at a later date. It is then that we will truly celebrate this amazing man and his life story. Knowing Roman as we did, he would never want anyone’s life to end short on his watch due to this horrible virus that has stricken us and has taken so many lives already.

Roman was a graduate of Pershing High school in Detroit. Soon thereafter, he was drafted into World War II. His tour of duty began on September 30, 1944, in the Central European Theater, where he served as a Bombardier, D.R. Navigator, and Legal Officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Roman attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and received his honorable discharge in 1946. He was the proud recipient of numerous medals, bronze battle stars and ribbons.

Upon his return stateside, Roman followed his desire to further his education by enrolling at Wayne State University in Detroit. Roman aspired to be an attorney, so he studied voraciously and ultimately attained his esteemed Bachelor’s of Law Degree and his Juris Doctor of Law Degree. Following graduation, Roman was eager to put his newfound knowledge to work, so he opened his own law firm on 7 Mile Road in Detroit. Thereafter, he found himself engrossed in a number of land deals and real estate ventures. Amidst his field of expertise, Roman was proudly associated with a host of organizations and memberships which included the Michigan State Bar Association, the Macomb County Bar Association, the legal fraternity of Delta-Theta-Phi, the Fraternal Order of Police, along with Roman being a frequent contributor to many charitable organizations as well.

Aside from his legal business, Roman’s entrepreneurial spirit was realized in many land deals--39 partnerships in all-- but he was especially proud of the Van Dyke Sport Center in Warren (some of you may remember the one and only Butterfly Suite Disco) and the Glacier Club in Washington Township, both of which have been sold. When Roman wasn’t working, one of his favorite pastimes was enjoying a rousing game of cards. He was especially astute at playing poker, his game of choice. In his later years, Roman took up the game Kings in the Corner and relished playing with family and friends. His most passionate recreation was the game of golf, a sport that truly highlighted Roman’s sporting prowess. He had the honor of sharing many courses and games with various pros over the years, and was quite proud of the many tournaments in which he came away the victor. Most notable were the seven Holes-in-One he experienced along the way.

Besides work, golf and cards, Roman’s most precious memories were those woven around the fabric of family. From his beloved wife Dee to the youngest great-grandchild, Roman’s entire family meant the world to him. Each moment in their company brought him immense joy,…even his furry little pets & loyal companions, Snuggles &Riese, who went on ahead and are now basking in the reunion with their beloved master.

Let us take a walk down memory lane and reflect upon the year 2015 when we were blessed to celebrate Roman’s life & legacy at his surprise 90th birthday party. Still vibrant and doing well, it was a glorious day for Roman and all who attended. Today, we pause and reflect upon the wonderful, long life that Roman was blessed to live and enjoy. Now, Roman’s new journey has begun as he awaits that great reunion in the sky, as one-by-one his loved ones join him, joyfully meeting Roman in their Heavenly Home.

Sadly, mourning our loss of Roman will be so very difficult to get through, especially in not being given the opportunity to properly say our final farewells surrounded by family, dear friends and co-workers to help lighten our burdens of grief and sorrow. Yet in our hearts we feel we made the right decision. Death ends a life, but not a relationship.

A loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend, Roman leaves behind a legacy of love that will carry on in our hearts forever. The lives he touched were many, and to those Roman leaves a host of memories to be embraced. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.

Roman was the beloved husband of Dolores “Dee” Halanski. Cherished father of Linda Ziecina, Roman Jr. (Sherie) Halanski, J. Martin Halanski, Bridget (Alex) Jovanovich, and the late Jason Paul Halanski. Loving grandfather of Robert (Jessica) Ziecina, Craig (Tara) Ziecina, Zackery (Amanda) Halanski, Natalie Halanski, and great-grandfather of Joel, Nolan, Evan, Paige, Roman, Colton, and Sterling. Dearest brother of Vicki Sivec, sister-in-law Nada Halan, and preceded in death by siblings; Peter Halanski, Agnes (the late Bernard)Wilczynski, Steve (the late Trevah) Halanski,Marianna (the late Carl) Von Gruenigen, John Halan,Walter (Nada) Halan, Lucille (the late Ervin) Yankee, and Joseph (the late Carmel) Halanski. Roman is survived by over 300 loving nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, and great-great nieces & nephews. Roman was also very close with Dee’s brothers and sisters, the late Bert (the late Joan) Sampson, Harold Leo (Sue) Sampson, LuAnn (the late Richard) Alexander, the late Patrick (Lois) Sampson, Patricia Sampson, the late Colleen Vitale, Carol (Ron) Falkenhagen, Michael (Helga) Sampson, Mary Jean (Dennis) Riedel, Frances Sampson, and Dee’s beloved deceased parents, Harold & Dolores (nee: Hunt) Sampson.

Once again, a Memorial Service to celebrate Roman’s life will be held at a later date. Please check back for updates.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/) or a charity of your choice.

Share your relationship memories, condolences, and stories of Roman on his website guest book below. Roman’s family will surely find comfort reading your comments in regards to this wonderful man we all loved.