John Gomola

John David Gomola, age 81, passed away peacefully at Henry Ford Hospital in Wyandotte. A lifelong Downriver resident, John was proud of his roots and deeply connected to the community he loved.

Born and raised in Wyandotte, John graduated from Roosevelt High School before continuing his education at Lawrence Technological University, where he honed the skills that would later support his entrepreneurial spirit. Never one to be confined by convention, John built a successful career as a business owner, charting his own path with determination, creativity, and a tireless work ethic.

John was a true enthusiast of life's passions. A devoted collector of hot rods and motorcycles, he found joy in the rumble of engines, the shine of chrome, and the thrill of the hunt for his next great find. Estate sales, swap meets, and road trips-especially those stretching across the United States and all the way to California-were among his greatest pleasures. He was always buying, selling, trading, and tinkering, forever immersed in new projects that kept his hands busy and his mind engaged.

More than anything, John will be remembered for his zest for life, his relentless curiosity, and the unmistakable presence he brought to every room, garage, and workshop he occupied. The Downriver area was not just his home-it was woven into his identity, a place he celebrated and championed throughout his lifetime.

John's legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the adventures he embraced, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

May he rest in peace, surrounded by the roar of engines and the open road he loved so much.

John is survived by his sister, Christine (Larry) McCray, Niece, Laurie Ward and a nephew, Larry McCray Jr.