Ralph Steven Paruszkiewicz

Ralph Steven Paruszkiewicz, born August 3, 1956, to Ervin and Therese Paruszkiewicz, passed away on September 15, 2026.

Despite facing significant health challenges throughout his life, Ralph never lost his desire to work and contribute. It was something he held onto no matter how difficult it became, and he never complained, he carried whatever came his way with quiet grace. Ralph was a kind, gentle, and quiet man with a heart of gold, and that gentle spirit was felt by everyone who knew him.

A lifelong learner, Ralph began his studies at Wayne State University right after high school, and went on to twice attend the Penland School of Craft, his favorite place on earth. There, he honed his skills and became a talented artist and craftsman, with a passion for jewelry making, metalsmithing, and blacksmithing. Though life brought many stops and starts along the way, Ralph never gave up on his education. His persistence and dedication to his craft culminated in a proud accomplishment more than 40 years in the making: in 2023, he finally graduated from Wayne State University with a degree from the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, majoring in Jewelry and Metalsmithing and minoring in Blacksmithing.

Ralph was a proud member of the Michigan Silversmiths Guild, where he pursued his craft alongside fellow artisans who shared his passion for the work. He also found belonging and purpose within a close-knit community of fellow artists who live together in the artists' loft, where he was an active and valued neighbor. Though the two communities were distinct, many of the same people moved between both, and their support meant a great deal to him and he gave just as much back to them in return.

Ralph was the beloved son of the late Ervin and Therese Paruszkiewicz. Loving brother of Ronald (Claudia) Paruszkiewicz, Michael (Sue) Paruszkiewicz, Tom Paruszkiewicz, Mary Paruszkiewicz, Jeanne (Bill) Gumbleton, and the late Patricia (the late Tom) Felix. Dearest uncle of Kyle, Veronica, Kirsten, Zoe, Luke, McKenzie, and the late Joshua.  He is also survived by many loving great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as his beloved cats, Mozart and Oreo.

Memorial Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 22, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., with a Memorial Service at 6:30 p.m., at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, 25509 W. Warren, Dearborn Heights.