Jeff Golabek

July 7, 1977 – March 18, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeffrey "Jeff" Joseph Golabek, who left us far too soon on March 18, 2025, at the age of 47. Jeff was born on July 7, 1977-his father's "lucky baby"-and lived every day since with an infectious energy and a love for life that touched everyone around him.
Jeff was a devoted husband to his wife, Melissa, and an extraordinary father and step-father to his beloved children, Cassidy, Emmerson, Vivienne, and Harrison. His family was his greatest joy and his proudest accomplishment. Jeff showed up for everything that mattered to them-whether it was a game, a recital, or just a small family moment-he never wanted to miss a single memory. He joked often about his "FOMO" (fear of missing out), always wanting to be present for every laugh, every sunset, every bit of joy that life had to offer.
Jeff met Melissa in 2008 at a dive bar in San Diego the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and the two quickly became inseparable. They shared 11 beautiful years of marriage, filled with laughter, love, and a partnership rooted in friendship and deep respect. Jeff wasn't shy about spoiling surprises; he was so excited when they found out they were expecting Vivienne that he couldn't help but share the news-asking their friends to keep it a secret so Melissa could still have her moment.
Jeff graduated from Western Michigan University and went on to explore a career in aviation. He dabbled as a pilot before finding his professional home at Willis Lease, where he worked for over 18 years, leasing airplane engines to airlines. He was known by his colleagues as a dedicated, hardworking professional, and more importantly, as a kind and compassionate man who treated everyone with respect and patience-even when things went wrong. Jeff was a natural caretaker and provider, admired by his father Joseph and cherished by his mother Lorraine. He wasn't a handyman-he'd be the first to admit that-but he more than made up for it with his support, kindness, and his unwavering commitment to his family.
To know Jeff was to know joy. He was hilarious-a true joker, often heard saying, "Can someone call my phone?" because he was always too present in the moment to care where it was. Friends lovingly nicknamed him "Hefe," a nod to their inside jokes and Jeff's larger-than-life personality. He loved the beach, especially watching sunsets with Melissa and their kids. Jeff was a lifelong Detroit Lions fan and cheered passionately for all Detroit sports teams and University of Michigan football. He loved attending games and sharing those moments with family and friends.
Jeff's light was often brighter than he realized. He brought warmth, laughter, and love wherever he went. People adored him-his humility often made him unaware of how deeply he impacted the lives around him. As a teenager, Jeff eagerly babysat his sister Shelly's children, wanting to be part of their lives from the start. As an adult, he continued to be a presence that others could count on-welcoming, generous, fun-loving, and supportive. His father called him the lucky baby, but everyone who knew Jeff felt like the lucky ones.
Jeff is survived by his loving wife Melissa; his children Cassidy, Emmerson, Vivienne, and Harrison; his parents Joseph and Lorraine; his parents-in-law Tareyn and Patrick; and his sister Shelly (Chip). He also leaves behind his cherished nieces and nephews: Shay, Jacklyn, Tyler (Deanna), Garet (his godson), Sheridan, Reid, Steven, Gage, and Brinley; his godparents Jim and Maryann; his brothers-in-law Steve and John (Kim); and many treasured cousins, extended family members, and countless friends who became family.
Jeff's memory will live on in the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the love he poured into his family and friends. Donations in Jeff's memory may be made to Hospitality House, a cause close to his heart.
A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home in Novi from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Monday, March 24, 2025, beginning at 9:30 am until the start of the Funeral Service at 10:30 am.
Jeff often said, "I'm here for a good time, not for a long time." And what a good time it was, Hefe. You will be missed more than words can say.