Obituary published on Legacy.com by Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. - Shelby Township on Nov. 3, 2025.
Donald R. Sosnoski passed away peacefully on October 30th, 2025, at his home in
Shelby Twp, Michigan at the age of 83. Esteemed father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, he is survived by daughter Le'Anna Sosnoski-Miller, son Matthew Sosnoski, grand children Amber Milot, Alyssa (Micheal) Weathers, Andrea Girardi, Andrew (Kristina) Sosnoski, Benjamin (Daniel)Miller, Calvin(Katie)Miller, Nathaniel Miller, Simon Miller, Elena Miller, Ashley Sosnoski, Chelsey (Kyle) Witgen, Thomas (Hannah) Stone, Lyndsey Tennant, Lauren Tennant, Emily Sosnoski and Marek Sosnoski, 21 great grandchildren, siblings Judy (the late Marv) Miller, Dennis (Gigi) Sosnoski, and Janet Sosnoski. He was predeceased in death by his dear wife Barbara (Buchmann), daughter Laura Sosnoski, and son Steven Sosnoski. Donald is also survived by his cherished companion Marianne Houser and her daughters Debbie Sosnoski, Suzie (Dominic) Andreozzi, Kelly (Jay) Egelski and grandchildren Luke Andreozzi, Jack Andreozzi, Jacob Egelski, and Charlie Egelski.
Don was born on August 1, 1942, to Raymond and Gusta Sosnoski. Raised on a dairy farm in Michigan's "Upper Thumb" region, he developed a strong work ethic and an unwavering sense of character. After graduating from high school, despite naysayers in his community, he went on to continue his education at Michigan State University where he earned a degree in accounting and finance in 1963 and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army as a Distinguished Military Graduate.
From 1963-1964, Don served with a Military Assistance Advisory Group in northern Thailand, before deploying to Vietnam in 1965. Don believed that his military experience shaped his remaining life in many positive ways that outweighed any negative experiences. He never regretted that commitment and was proud to have ranked as a first lieutenant.
Following his honorable discharge from active duty, Don married his beloved Barbara Buchmann and raised their family first in Sterling Heights and then in Troy, Michigan where they formed life-long friendships with several neighbors. While raising his family, he was actively involved in coaching and sports organizations. He and Barb hosted many float parties, team dinners, and post-game celebrations, creating cherished memories for their children and friends. Don and Barb also shared a passion for travel, taking numerous trips to Hawaii with family and friends, as well as many trips to explore Thailand and a variety of European destinations.
Don was a lifelong nature lover who enjoyed more than 50 years of deer hunting, mushroom picking, and fishing. Many of his most cherished outdoor memories were shared with his brother-in-law, Marv Miller. Don loved to golf, ski, and boat on Torch lake during the 20 years spent at the family retreat at Shanty Creek Resort in northern Michigan. He had a true passion for grilling and was an avid MSU sports fan.
Don started his professional career as an auditor at Arthur Young & Co., then later served as a controller and treasurer of ANG Coal and Gasification company developing, constructing, and operating a $2.5 billion coal gasification plant. In 1986, Don joined PVS Chemicals Inc. as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, retiring in 2006 after 20 years of service. While at PVS, Don spent considerable time on trade and investment missions to Southeast Asia, China, India, and South America, establishing a foothold for PVS in Thailand as well as assisting in
negotiating several acquisitions in Europe. He also served as CEO of PVS's non-chemical industry subsidiary in Iowa with two plants and some 400+ employees. Don's work with PVS led him to travel the world including Southeast Asia and many European countries as well as the Middle East. When combined with his personal travels, over the course of his lifetime, Don had traveled to more than 50 countries around the world.
Following his retirement in 2006, Don found love and companionship again with Marianne Houser. Together they built a life filled with adventures to Europe, Mexico, and Hawaii. Don and Marianne enjoyed entertaining family and friends at Shanty Creek and at home in Shelby Twp. Most of all they enjoyed quiet evenings cherishing their time together.
Family and friends of Donald Sosnoski can attest that he lived his life to the fullest, with true honor and character. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation in memory of Don.
Visitation Tuesday November 4th, 3:00pm-8:00pm with a 7:00pm Prayer Service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. (SHELBY TOWNSHIP). Funeral Wednesday November 5th, Instate 9:30am at St. Kieran Church, 53600 Mound Rd,
Shelby Twp, MI 48316, until time of Mass at 10:00am. Interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery on Wednesday, November 5th at 1:30pm.
Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.