Ted Stanley Smolarski

Ted Stanley Smolarski, age 92, died Thursday, May 29, 2014 at Fr. Murray Nursing Center in Center Line, Michigan. Ted was born on August 24, 1921 in Hamtramck, Michigan, the son of the late Steve Smolarski and the late Catherine (nee: Lalewicz) Smolarski.Ted was raised in Hamtramck and attended Our Lady Queen of Angels grade school and later graduated from Hamtramck High School. While in high school, Ted was a member of the Debating Club and also played the trombone. Following his schooling, Ted attended Barber school. He was fortunate to own and operate two Barber Shops... his first on Conant near Carpenter Street in Hamtramck, and later on Van Dyke near Seven Mile Road in Detroit. Ted was affectionately known to many as "Ted the Barber".Ted lived through the Depression Era and knew that hard work and a steady job would get the bills paid and the family fed. He took great pride in being a Polish American... He loved his Polish food, and made his own Kielbasa Sausage. Ted was a critical thinker who enjoyed studying politics from both sides of the aisle, and would argue from both angles as well. Quiet time for Ted was spent at home watching the old classic movies on television.Ted was a member of Club Des Loup... the group was a fraternity of men who performed good deeds in their community. In addition, this group had wonderful, top-notch parties with Swing Era big bands. Many of the members were World War II veterans from Hamtramck and Hamtramck High School, St Ladislaus Catholic School, and St. Florian Catholic School. These men were all gentlemen of their era... It was men like this that made America strong.Ted is survived by his cherished wife, Virginia, and is the dear father of Ronald (Patricia) Smolarski. He was also the loving grandfather of Joseph, Michelle, and beloved brother of Stephanie Witkowski, and Alfreda (James) Parker. Visitation for Ted will be held on Monday, June 2nd from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. Ted will lie in state Tuesday 10am at St. Faustina Catholic Church (formerlly St. Edmund Catholic Church), 14025 E 12 Mile Road, until the time of the Funeral Liturgy at 10:30am. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township.Memorial donations are appreciated to UNICEF, www.unicefusa.org Please share memories of Ted at his memory book.