Rev. Nicholas Zukowski

Reverend Nicholas Zukowski, of Warren, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the age of 71.

Fr. Nick was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 9, 1954, to Raymond and Rose Marie (née Hapke) Zukowski, and grew up on the east side of Detroit. In the fall of 1974, Fr. Nick began his priestly formation at St. Mary's College in Orchard Lake, Michigan. He graduated summa cum laude in May 1977 with a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy. Four months later, Cardinal John Dearden, Archbishop of Detroit, sent him to pursue theological studies and seminary formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. There, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, graduating cum laude, and began advanced studies in Christian Spirituality. He was ordained a transitional deacon in Rome on April 17, 1980.

His mother, Rose Marie, served as a parish secretary at Sweetest Heart of Mary Parish in Detroit from 1977 until 1992. His father, Raymond, was ordained a permanent deacon in 1981 and he also served at Sweetest Heart of Mary Parish. Fr. Nick returned to the United States in the summer of 1981 to begin parish ministry. His internship year was at St. Mary Our Lady of the Snows Parish in Milford, Michigan. He was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal John Dearden at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit on May 1, 1982.

His assignments as associate pastor included Holy Cross Parish in Marine City (1982–1985), Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish in Hamtramck (1985–1990), and St. Hugo of the Hills Parish in Bloomfield Hills (1990–1993). On July 1, 1993, Fr. Nick became the ninth pastor of St. Mary Queen of Creation Parish in New Baltimore, Michigan, where he served faithfully for 21 years. His second pastorate began on July 1, 2014, when he was appointed Pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Warren. Throughout his ministry, Fr. Nick was a true shepherd guiding his flock. Even through his declining health, and up to his death, Fr. Nick provided gentle counsel to those who cared for him, and to other patients that sought his spiritual guidance and prayer.

Fr. Nick was predeceased by his parents, Deacon Raymond and Rose Marie (née Hapke) Zukowski, and his siblings Kathleen Wisniewski, David J. Zukowski, and Patricia Zukowski. He is survived by his loving nephew, Larry Sieczynski, and nieces, Lisa-Marie (Ira Keller) Sieczynski and Rosemarie (Jacob Dame) Wisniewski, as well as many dear cousins.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 31555 Hoover Road (north of 13 Mile Road), Warren, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a Parish Rosary led by the Active Christian Women's Club at 4:00 p.m. and a Vigil Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. led by Deacon Marion Jurewicz. The Mass of the Resurrection, presided over by the Most Reverend Edward J. Weisenburger, Archbis hop of Detroit, will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. He will be buried at St. Mary's Cemetery in New Baltimore.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Fr. Nick's memory may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

May Jesus, the High Priest, reward Fr. Nick for his devoted priestly ministry!