Tom was born on July 14, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan where he lived with his late parents, Marion and Sophie Dobrowolski. Tom graduated from Osborne High School (Detroit) in 1964 and completed some college before he was drafted by the Army in 1966.
A proud US Army veteran, Tom served his country from 1966-68 including time in Vietnam in 1966-67 during the war. He was honorably discharged in 1968. Later, Tom was actively involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Harris-Kehrer Post 3323 serving as Commander, Chaplin and Parade Chairman. His dedication in honoring fellow veterans was unwavering as could be seen in the hours he spent arranging for honor guards at funerals and planning the annual Memorial Day parade.
Tom met the love of his life, Pam, in 1968. Their fate was sealed after that first date at Buddy’s Pizza in Detroit. They were married on July 19, 1969 and enjoyed nearly 50 years together. Tom and Pam made their home in Wayne, Michigan and have lived on Biddle Street for nearly 48 years.
While Tom did not have siblings, his marriage to Pam brought him brother and sister in-laws that served that role. He held Al, Cheri, Donna, Tim, Dan, and Kathy in high regard as well as his many nieces and nephews. Tom was also fortunate to also have the love and support of his mother and father in-law, Ruby and the late Frank Kovarik.
Tom was a loving, and patient, father of five daughters – Michelle (Chris) of Arcata, California, Nicole (Rob) of Phoenix, Arizona, Tania (Derek) of Newburyport, Massachusetts, Kimberly of Medway, Massachusetts, and Heather (Joseph) of Redford, Michigan. He proudly supported them over the years, serving as each of their personal cheerleaders. His influence upon them is insurmountable.
A cherished grandfather, Tom was blessed with 15 grandchildren – Jared, Ryan, Natalie, Sophia, Henry, Jacob, Samuel, Lillian, Emily, Aria, Zeke, Frank, Atticus, Theodore, and Harlow. He enjoyed watching the chaos that ensued when they were all together and his impact on each of them is evident.
Tom and Pam enjoyed travelling together. They had no qualms piling their five daughters and the family dog in the van and driving across the country. They loved camping and have swapped countless songs, stories and laughs around the campfire with friends and family over the years.
Tom loved music. He could belt out Frank Sinatra and Neil Diamond like no other. This love of music and entrepreneurial spirit led him and Pam to open a record shop, the Sound Station, with good friends, Mike and Barb Kerby, in the 1970s. While the store closed many years ago, the old albums are dusted off at least once a year at a dance party on New Year’s Eve. As many can attest, Tom could really bust a move on the dance floor
Tom was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. His smile was infectious. He could tell stories and jokes that brought everyone to laughter, even if we didn’t quite follow the punch line. He brought this humor to his work on the Wayne Soapbox Derby and many Biddle Bunch block parties.
