Eugene Skowronski

Eugene Paul Skowronski was born in Steubenville Ohio in 1933. He had 8 sisters who spoiled him. Dad was known as Eugene, Gene and Bud or Buddy. If you knew our dad you knew how kind and happy he always was. We would like to share a few things about his life, who he was, and the life he provided for us.

He was a wonderful father, loving husband and sweet grandfather. He was also a great friend. He made friends everywhere he went.

Dad went to parochial school for 12 years. He spent much of his youth on the golf course and was a caddy at age 9. He once caddied for another Steubenville native - Dean Martin. Dad was an avid golfer his entire life and was always working on improving his game. He was an excellent, competitive golfer. He was so proud to have won his A flight golf league at Ford Motor Company - several times.

Dad moved to Detroit when he was 18 and met our mother when he was 20. They dated, fell in love and then dad went into the service for 2 years. They wrote love letters while they were apart and they looked at the 2nd star in the Big Dipper each night to think of each other.

When Dad came home from the service he proposed to our mom Leona at the drive-in. Where he hid mom’s engagement ring in a popcorn box. She said yes and they married. They had 4 children - Pam, Curt, Karen and Scott and welcomed our spouses Steve, Lisa, Steve and Samara with open arms and considered them their own. Dad would often say I have 8 kids now. They were also blessed with 2 grandchildren, Madison and Carlie.

Dad started his lifelong career of 42 years at Ford Motor as a Tool and Die Maker. He was very proud of his work and loved his job. He turned down several promotions as he enjoyed what he did and wanted to just be one of the guys. His workmates loved him too. He was known at Ford Rouge as the CandyMan. He would always have big tubs of candy for the guys and would often bring in doughnuts too. They also called him Doc Scrounge as he passed out vitamins and health advice to his work buddies as needed. Our dad never got sick and he never missed a day of work.

When he got and beat cancer 10 years ago, he always comforted US, and said he’s going to be okay. He went through his treatments with a smile and a high-five to the doctors and nurses. He was an eternal optimist - he ALWAYS, ALWAYS looked on the bright side, even in dark and uncertain times.

Mom and Dad gave us a beautiful, happy home full of love and laughter. Dad would leave notes for mom and us on the counter as he left for work. He would give mom cards, flowers and chocolates for no reason - just because - just because he loved her so much!

They were married for 44 years before the Lord took our beloved Mother away from him. It was heartbreaking for us to see him alone.

He was blessed to find another loving companion - Betty. Her whole family was welcoming and loved dad. In his later years they, especially Kathleen and Bridget, provided loving exceptional care for him as he aged and was slowed by his health challenges. We are extremely grateful.

Everyone who crossed his path experienced his warmth, happy soul and fun laugh. He sure lit up a room. He was the kind of guy people wanted to be around. You could ask him about anything and he would always have an answer. Politics, history, health or any current events.

A man of God, our father lived his life by the word of the Lord. His faith and religion were always a priority and he instilled this in his family. He was active at St Aidan’s and enjoyed being head- usher for many years.

Our dad was a proper man indeed. He prided himself in being a sharp dresser and being meticulously groomed.

Some may know he had a wonderful singing voice. He was always singing - in tune and loud! In the shower, while shaving, in the garage and in the yard. The neighbors often commented on his singing. He once even sang at a wedding. He also was a great dancer. Dad would dance with our mother at weddings and we would be amazed how he would spin her around so smoothly as he guided her around the floor.

Recently our fathers health declined severely. He went to Angela Hospice. His short time there was the most beautiful end-of-life experience that we all pray for. Many lovely spiritual moments were shared with our dear father. He would look into our eyes and hold our hands, he blessed himself often and touched his crucifix on his neck and clasped his hands in prayer while he was fading - showing us again his unwavering faith. His last day at hospice a nurse changed his gown to a golf shirt. We were so moved. She said “he just didn’t seem like a T-shirt kind of guy”.

Our father passed peacefully looking dapper - as usual - in that golf shirt with his children holding him while he took his last breath.

Our father is now dancing and spinning our mother around while singing for her and the Lord in heaven.

Dad we now say to you - we love you so very much - you are in our thoughts and our hearts everyday – and as our mother would tell us kids at night - sleep with Jesus in heaven until we meet again.

A funeral in state for Eugene will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 9:00 AM at St Aidan Catholic Church, 17500 Farmington Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48152, followed by a funeral mass at 9:30 AM.

Immediate Family will be going to gravesite so there will be no repast (luncheon) afterward.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations to Alzheimer's Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the Skowronski family.