Robert J. Kazanowski

Robert Joseph Kazanowski ("Bob Kaz"). Man, myth, legend and, by some accounts, Nobel laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner. Born in Detroit, Michigan on March 1, 1946, Bob left this world with his legacy of fun and love on October 14, 2023. Surrounded by his family and watching football, Bob passed away peacefully after a heroic decade's long health battle.
Bob was the ultimate family man; teaching his sons that nothing in life is more important than your family, best friends, and supporting one another. He is survived by his beautiful and darling wife of 42 years, Diane (Bielak) Kazanowski, accomplished (and good looking) sons, Christopher Kazanowski, Esq. and Dr. David Kazanowski, and fun-loving fantastic younger brothers Roger Kazanowski and Dr. John Kazanowski (Cindy, deceased). Bob was preceded in death by his first son, Adam Kazanowski, loving father and mother, John L. and Charlotte (Kotlinski) Kazanowski, and brilliant older brother, Lawrence Kazanowski (survived by Cara). Bob had many loving uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Bob graduated from Divine Child High School in 1964 where he infamously drag raced his folks' Olds (and won, naturally). Bob received his bachelor's degree in hotel restaurant management from the illustrious Michigan State University in 1968 and had a distinguished career in the restaurant industry. Bob worked alongside the great Chuck Muer and managed the original Charley's Crab, managed food services for the Detroit Lion's training camp and Cranbrook schools, carried forward his father's and uncle's legacy of serving metro-Detroit's award-winning best bar burger at Mason's Lounge in Livonia with his business partner, and also pioneered lakeside fine dining on Walled Lake with his top shelf seafood restaurant, Key Largo.
Bob's greatest legacy is one of love and good humored fun. He was the best husband, dad, brother, and friend anyone could ever hope for. He was a man of profound intelligence, common sense, and fairness. Bob lived a full life of fun and adventure. He will be remembered sailing with his brothers and friends around the B.V.I., cruising in his Pantera, Jaguar E-Type or 67' Corvette, boating the Great Lakes with his wife and boys and besting once-in-a-century storms on the triumphant Kazually, watching fireworks with his family and wonderful neighbors on Wolverine Lake, rolling the first legal craps dice in Canada in 611 years (yes, really) with his lovely wife by his side, co-hosting the legendary Kaz Super Stars parties, (allegedly) "borrowing" Army vehicles and raising hell with his brothers and best friends, engaging in hilarious banter at countless dinners and get-togethers, and many more fun stories and antics with close family and friends.
Despite some tough years with his health toward the end, Bob never lost his infinite sense of optimism and humor, and he always believed that "It's a good life." Bob was the greatest storyteller and publican (fancy word for bartender); quick to engage with a stranger like he knew them forever, bringing them to raucous laughter with his quick wit and James Bond-worthy clever one-liners. He loved his wife and sons unconditionally and unlimitedly, putting them first always and without exception.
While Bob's physical presence will be deeply missed, his good energy remains. Let us honor his memory by embracing his favorite mantra: carpe diem ("seize the day").
The Kazanowski family will receive guests on Saturday, October 21st, 2-7 pm, with a 6 pm time of sharing of memories and concluding prayer.
Memorial tributes are suggested to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.