Donald "Don" A. Romanski Sr.

Donald “Don” A. Romanski Sr.
Clearwater Beach, FL (Formerly of Dearborn, MI)

Donald “Don” A. Romanski Sr., age 88, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025, in Clearwater, FL. He was born on February 6, 1936, in Detroit, MI, to Felix and Frances (Suski) Romanski. Don married Elaine Grondziak on September 6, 1958, at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Dearborn, MI, and she survives him.

Don dedicated 42 years to Ford Motor Company, starting as a tool and die maker before advancing to a role as an engineer. A devout Catholic, he was a parishioner at Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn for 40 years and later at St. Brendan’s Church in Clearwater. He was an active member of the Navigators Club and volunteered at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Don enjoyed fine dining and cherished time spent with family and friends.

A talented handyman, Don was passionate about creating and fixing things. His meticulous craftsmanship as a carpenter and mechanic was second to none. He could transform old items into beautiful creations and took pride in building projects from scratch. As a young man, his black 1957 Thunderbird and 1949 Mercury were his pride and joy, showcasing his lifelong love for cars. Don even turned his once poor handwriting into flawless penmanship through determination and practice—a testament to his dedication to self-improvement.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Elaine, and his children Dean (Connie), Gale (Rick) Loftus, David (Christine), Dennis, and Duane (Gina) Romanski. He was a proud grandfather to Ashley (Michael) Mastroianni, Katherine (Michael) Smith, Alex (Martha) Loftus, Andrew, Robert, Brian, Kristin, Daniel, Jennifer, Olivia, and Alexis, and a great-grandfather to Liliana, Angelina, Marco, and Mario. He is also survived by his brother William (Phyllis) Romanski, sister Diane (Nick) Altesleben, and cherished granddogs Harvey, Rosie, and Marlin.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Frances Romanski; his son, Donald Romanski Jr.; his sisters, Norma Green and Rita Ellis; and his brother, Edward Romanski.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Church of the Divine Child (1055 Silvery Lane, Dearborn), with in-state visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Visitation will also take place from 2–9 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home (25509 W. Warren Street, Dearborn Heights). Don will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association .

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stark Funeral Professionals, with the assistance of Hubbell Funeral Home & Crematory and Stanley Turowski Funeral Home.