Robert E. Ozias

Robert Ernest Ozias, a resident of Royal Oak, passed away on Thursday March 16, 2023 at the age of 84. Son of Eugene and Alice "Pat" Ozias, he was born on July 4, 1938 in Highland Park, MI. He was affectionately known as Rob (or Robbie) by his family and friends while growing up, and then as Bob by those he met in adulthood.
Beloved husband of Dona, joined in love for 53 years. Loving father of Christopher (Kimberly), Jon, and Molly. Cherished grandfather of Maggie, Aidan, Annie, Colin, and Emily. Dear brother of the late Roger (Gloria) and Patricia Bell. Treasured brother-in-law, uncle, and godfather.
Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1957-1960. Stationed in Germany, his exploits and experiences there would fuel stories that would be retold for the rest of his life.
After his discharge from the Army, Bob worked at a variety of jobs until 1965 when he joined his father on the Highland Park Fire Department, beginning what would be a long and distinguished career spanning over three decades.
In September of 1968, Bob met Dona Martinelli on a blind date and knew immediately that she was the woman he wanted to spend his life with. They were engaged two weeks later, and on May 10, 1969, eight months after first meeting, they were married at St. Jude Parish in Detroit.
Forever looking for better ways to provide for his family and create a bigger, brighter future, Bob joined the newly formed fire department in the growing city of Southfield in 1969, where he served the community for the remainder of his career.
In 1972, Providence Hospital and the City of Southfield created the first paramedic unit in the state. Bob was a part of the inaugural class of paramedics and was part of the three-man team that took the first run in November of that year. Recognized for his dedicated service, he continued to rise through the ranks of the department. Bob was appointed as Chief of the Southfield Fire Department in 1993. He retired on December 10, 2004.
A lifelong lover of learning, Bob never lost sight of the value of an education. He enrolled at Oakland Community College when already well into his career and graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate Degree in Applied Science.
He was a voracious reader with a particular fondness for history, the books of Ernest Hemingway, and the James Bond novels. He collected swords and learned to fence. He loved the movies of Errol Flynn or really any movie with a good sword fighting scene. He loved being outdoors whether he was soaking up the sun, working in the yard, or, in his earlier years, hunting and fishing
From the time he was a child, Bob took care of those in his life with a tireless dedication. He considered it his most important job to look after his wife and family and did so until his last breath. But for all his duty-bound ethics he was also wildly funny, finding the unexpected humor in moments through wry observations and a rogue's irreverence. He created traditions for his family and had a knack for turning any average moment or experience into a magical event that made you always want to tag along with whatever he was doing. He taught multiple generations how to hunt for "gem quality" Petoskey stones, and instilled in his children the value of always watching the sunsets. His family is incredibly grateful for the over four decades of treasured memories and togetherness he shared with them on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Bob was his family's hero, their leader, and their North Star. His absence will be profoundly felt by all of them.
A visitation for Bob will take place on Thursday, March 23, from 2:00 to 8:00 pm with a rosary service at 6:00 pm at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (4 blks. E. of Woodward), Royal Oak, 48067. Friends and family will gather on Friday, March 24, from 9:30 am until time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, 2100 Twelve Mile Rd., Royal Oak, 48073.
Donations in Bob's memory may be made to the Salvation Army or the Capuchin Soup Kitchen of Detroit.