David Edwin Baranowski

The family of David Edwin Baranowski of Harrison Township, Michigan, is saddened to announce his passing on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 79 years old. Dave was so many things to so many people – a son, a brother, a hero, a husband, a father, an uncle and a friend. He had a heart of gold, always looking out for others.
Dave was born in Detroit at Harper Hospital. He attended St Thomas Catholic School from kindergarten through his graduation from high school. In high school, Dave played for school's football team and was a member of the swim team. After high school, Dave went on to study finance at Walsh Institute (now Walsh College) and was an active member of the fraternity community until he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Dave served in Vietnam as crew chief with the Black Hawks for fixed wing Mohawks, flying both surveillance and combat missions. Later during Dave's time in Vietnam, the Army recruited him to uncover and eliminate a wide ring of officer-level corruption in the II Corps area.
Returning home from Vietnam, Dave bought his mom and dad a home in East Detroit, living with them for a time. He went on to work at Ford Motor Company for many years in accounting and procurement before starting his own business in sales and engineering.
While always keeping his home base near his beloved Lake St Clair, Dave enjoyed the many places he lived throughout his life. What Dave enjoyed most about each of them was sharing them with family and friends, as well as developing many new and special friendships along the way.
Dave is a long-time member and past commodore of the Huron Pointe Yacht Club. He is also a member of two of his favorite golf courses.
Dave enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, dancing, reading and card games. Dave's biggest passion was spending quality time with family and friends. He loved to tell stories and joke around, along with sharing a glass of wine. We will remember Dave in our hearts as a most kind, caring and generous man. We will forever miss his laughter and his love of life.
David is survived by his wife, Judy, his daughter Adrianne Baranowski and her husband Brandon Rivers, his sister-in-law Rose Baranowski, his brother-in-law Richard McConnell and his wife Shari, and his nieces and nephews – Bob & Michele Vanbiesbrouck, Walt & Karen Proia (also his goddaughter), Greg & Lisa Baranowski, Randy & Lori Redman, Jonathan & Ash Dones, Marty & Ellen McConnell, Karen & Rob Hellier, Colin McConnell, Danielle Oke and his goddaughter Rene Pifko with her husband, Fred – in addition to many, many beloved great nephews and nieces, cousins and a wide and treasured circle of friends. Dave is predeceased by his father, Edwin Baranowski, his mother, Helen Baranowski, his brother, Norm Baranowski, his sister Elaine Dones and her husband Mark, his brother-in-law Colin McConnell and his wife Penny, and his brother-in-law Terry.
Visitation will be at Wujek Calcaterra & Sons at 36900 Schoenherr Rd, Sterling Heights, Michigan from 4pm to 8pm on Friday, June 20, 2025. A service with military honors will be held at 11am on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery, 621 W Long Lake Rd, Troy, Michigan, followed by a luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association in David's memory. https://www.lung.org.