JACOB LEON SOBIERAJ

SOBIERAJ JACOB LEON 3-14-1922 to 9-17-2011. Age 89. Beloved husband of the late Heliadore (Polonski) Sobieraj. Their union produced five children, Mary S. Rowan (John Cavataio), Margaret Sobieraj, Monica S. Darga (Christopher), Joseph Blaise Sobieraj, and Gregory Anthony Sobieraj (John Briggs). Grandfather of Dr. Jacob Joseph Rowan D.O. (Wendy Sylvester), Dr. Christopher George Rowan, PhD, Thomas Cavataio (Erin), Anthony Cavataio (fiance Kate Wagner), Jada Wagensomer, Blaise Wagensomer, and Anne McGuffin. Great-grandfather to William C. Rowan, Jillian L. Rowan, Alexis McGuffin, John Cavataio and James Cavataio. Survived by brother Jerome Sobieraj (Roberta) and the families of the late Genevieve Dudek (the late Walter), the late Celia Schuster (the late Walter), the late Helen Tomich (the late Louis) and the late Rita Zeller (Don). Also uncle to many nieces and nephews and countless godchildren. Jacob was a quick study - after only 3 hours of flight instruction, he flew solo as a Naval Pilot. He served in the Phillipine Theatre, flew the amphibious PBY Catalina and was involved in the rescue efforts of the USS Indianapolis. He also flew various missions to 23 islands in the South Pacific. On his return, taking advantage of the GI bill, he attended the University of Detroit, undergrad then law school. Of all of his many and varied interests, the law was his passion and probate was his love. To quote Judge Roman S. Gribbs on learning of his friends death "not only was he a skilled attorney, but he was an advocate with the heart of a giant". He solo practiced in Delray, Michigan with the late Stanley J. Mirus. He later joined forces with his law school friend, the late Richard J. Michael, and built a solid neighborhood practice in the Warrendale area of Detroit where they remained for over 40 years. Fluent in the Polish language, he became the attorney for the Polish Consulate in the Midwest and frequently traveled to their Chicago headquarters and to Poland to settle estates. As a result of his efforts, he was honored by the Polish Government, the equivalent of Knighthood. During their last ten years together, Sobieraj and Michael moved their office to St. Mary Hospital in Livonia, Michigan where they excelled in the practice of hospital law. They were totally devoted to the Felician Sisters, who were not only clients but dear friends. Once the hospital changed management, Jacob returned to private practice. Jacob was also very active in numerous organizations. He assisted in founding the PTO at St. Christopher and started Sunday bagel sales after the masses. He was a longstanding member of the Polish Advocates Society and the Polish Festival Committee. He was also responsible for the establishment of the Polish Room at Wayne State University. He also owned several businesses in the Detroit area and in Poland. He was a confidant to several Detroit mayors: Jerome Cavanaugh, Judge Roman S. Gribbs, and Coleman A. Young who appointed Jacob to the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Commission. Jacob L. Sobieraj was a man who came from humble beginnings, who lived and provided for his family the American Dream. He was an exemplary part of that "Greatest Generation" for whom we owe our gratitude. A memorial visitation will be at Sajewski Funeral Home, 19111 W. Warren, Detroit, 48228 on Friday, October 7, 1-9 p.m. with scripture readings at 7 p.m. The following day, Saturday, October 8, there will be a Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Ambrose Church, 15020 Hampton, Grosse Pointe Park, 48230 followed by a "polish feast" at the ark, adjoining the church. www.sajewskifh.com.