Thomas Paul Dembeck Jr.

Thomas Paul Dembeck, Jr., of Sterling Heights, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 92 years old.
Born on February 6, 1933, in Detroit, MI, Tom was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Gertrude (née Koss) Dembeck. He grew up in Detroit, graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1951, proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Hancock (CVA-19), and later retired from the U.S. Postal Service.
Faith was at the center of Tom's life. A devoted Catholic, he was a member of St. Matthias Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus at both St. Lawrence and St. Matthias. He faithfully attended Eucharistic Adoration-often taking the 2 a.m. shift-and held a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, and praying the Rosary.
Tom was known for his unwavering work ethic. His motto was simple: "If you said you were going to do something, you show up every day and do it well." From a young age, he took on odd jobs to help his family and worked as a caddy at Plum Hollow Country Club. During his Navy service, he seized every opportunity to learn, working as a bus driver, chef, butcher, carpenter, and welder. While raising his young family of five children, he juggled multiple jobs, including postal worker, office cleaner, car mechanic at Utica Collision, welder at Utica Steel, glass cutter, and material buyer. Later in life, Tom and his son, Tommy, founded Dembeck Plumbing, where they enjoyed many years of serving their community.
On June 21, 1958, Tom married the love of his life, Virginia (née Domzal), at St. Jude Catholic Church. Together, they built a beautiful family. He was the proud father of Debbie Peterson, Lora (the late Mike) Adam, Julie (Mike) Kelvin, and Tony (Carolyn) Dembeck; cherished grandfather of Elizabeth (Leo) Barnes, Alicia Dembeck, Nolan Peterson, Michael (Tiffeny) Kelvin, Spencer Adam, Timothy (Aly) Kelvin, Christina (Zack) Jones, Paul Dembeck, Lucy Dembeck, and Calvin Adam; and great-grandfather to Connor Barnes and Michael Axel Kelvin. He is also survived by his brother, Ralph Dembeck, sister-in-law, Helen "Coco" Dembeck, Susan Domzal, brother-in-law Michael Barkume, James (Paulette) Domzal, and his daughter-in-law Renee. Loving Uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Tom will be remembered for his kind spirit, generosity, humor, and love of storytelling. He had a passion for deer hunting, a notorious sweet tooth-especially for honey nougats, ice cream, and Mallow Cups-and a talent for bringing joy to others. Known affectionately as "Mr. D" or the "Donut King," he delighted in creating things from nothing, whether fixing, building, or crafting handmade signs for birthdays, anniversaries, and family celebrations. Above all, family was most important to him.
He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Dembeck; son-in-law, Michael Adam; brothers Donald (Carrie) Dembeck, Alfred Dembeck; sister Marion (Donald) Sicklesteel and sister-in-law Judy Dembeck; his parents, Thomas and Gertrude, brother-in-law Michael (Ellen) Domzal, Thomas Domzal and sister-in-law Dolores (née Domzal) Barkume.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Tom's life on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 2 - 8 p.m. at William Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road, Utica, MI 48317, with a Prayer Service at 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Matthias Catholic Church, 12311 19 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will take place at a later date at the Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan.
Tom's life was truly a gift to all who knew him, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. To our beloved husband, dad, and grandfather, you were always looking good.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Capuchins or the Father Solanus Casey Center.