Ronald "Reggie" Kwitowski

Ronald John "Reggie" Kwitowski, age 79 of Warren, passed away on Thursday, February 1st, 2018. He was born May 1st, 1938 in Detroit and was the son of the late John and the late Tillie (nee: Kuri) Kwitoski. Upon graduating from Pershing High School in 1957, he proudly served four years in the United States Navy, sailing throughout Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, Ron was employed by Michigan Consolidated Gas Company. He then attended the University of Detroit and Walsh College of Accounting. He ended his professional career as an accountant for Austin Company, working in Cleveland, Alabama, and New York City. As a child, Ron looked forward to family parties at the Pelc Family Farm here in Michigan and in Tennessee and traveling to Ohio and Pennsylvania to visit relatives. He was an avid stamp and coin collector, often sending away for stamps from all over the world. He began traveling at the age of 17, after winning the Detroit Times Newspaper trip to New York and Quebec City for his service as a paper boy for many years. Throughout his life, Ron valued his family, friendships, and his passions, which included cooking, fishing, hunting, sports, and Las Vegas. A tradition he thoroughly enjoyed was connecting with his Polish heritage by making homemade kielbasa every Thanksgiving with his life-long friends Joe Cernava and Tim Eklund while his mother, Tillie, "looked over their shoulders." He knew his way around the kitchen and that's where he could be found at many family gatherings. For many years during Lent, Ron volunteered his time and culinary skills at the Knights of Columbus fish-fry, working alongside his friend Dennis "Woody" Thomas. Whether he cooked for a few or for many, as he did for his mother's surprise 80th birthday party, he always put his heart into it. Ron also loved to fish and he never let the cold weather stop him. This love of fishing prompted Ron to become involved in the St Clair Walleye Association as a member and past officer. When he wasn't out on the lake, Ron could be found up north enjoying his property or hunting for moose in Canada with friends. Another tradition enjoyed by Ron and his friends Roger Grimaldi, the late Joe Biniecki, Tim, Joe, and Woody was their frequent trips to Las Vegas and casinos Up North and in Canada. Although he never "hit the big jackpot," he made lasting memories with these friends and other family members and friends who would occasionally join them. However, his biggest passion was sports of all kind. Ron was honored to work for the Detroit Tigers, starting in concessions and working his way up to accounting. He never missed a game and when he wasn't watching them live, he could be found watching them at the Ryan Tavern and the Warren Elks Lodge, of which he was a member. He also honed his pinochle skills at the Elks playing for years in the sponsored tournaments. He was also a proud member of the American Legion Michigan and the Knights of Columbus 3257 Bishop Murphy Council. It would be remiss not to mention Ron's love of magic. Inspired by attending the Blackstone Magic festival in Colon, Michigan, the "Magic Capital of the World", with his late friend Rose Francescutti and her son Michael, Ron started the wonderful cherished tradition of bringing his great-nephew Nicholas to Colon. For over a decade, Ron shared his love of magic with Nick and at times included other great-nephews and nieces Landen, Angie, Joseph and Olivia in the magic fun. Ron was the type of guy who never spoke badly about people. He was a good friend to all and was loved deeply by his family and friends because of his jovial nature and fun-loving attitude. He was gifted with the spirit of fun that he enjoyed sharing with his family and friends. In the last years of his life, although he faced health problems, he maintained his love for life and lived each day to the fullest, never complaining, always smiling.Ron is the dear brother of the late Walter Kwitoski, brother-in-law to the late Katherine Kwitoski, and brother-in-law to the late Robert Kettinger and dearest godson of the late Betty Surowieckie. He is survived by and beloved by his sister Irene Kettinger, goddaughter and niece Diane Kwitoski (Richard Wood), nephew Johnny Kwitoski, nephew Alan Kettinger (Pat), and godson and nephew Dennis Kettinger. Ron was also Godfather to Angela "Angie" Kettinger, his great-niece. He is the very cherished uncle to many great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, as well. Ron is also survived by many wonderful family members and the "best" of friends. He was immensely loved by all and will be deeply, deeply missed.Visitation for Ron will be held Sunday, February 11th from 2-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. Rosary/Honor Guard Knights of Columbus presentation will be held at 4 pm. Ron will be buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery with a 21-gun salute and taps at 9:30 am on Monday, February 12th. A funeral memorial mass will be held afterwards at Holy Innocents-Saint Barnabus Catholic Church, 16348 Frazho Road in Roseville at 12 pm noon. Following mass, all are invited to celebrate Ron's life at the American Polish Century Club in Sterling Heights. Please share memories of Ron at his memory book above.