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Thomas Dunaj Obituary
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Cherished son to Thomas and the late Phyllis; loving husband to Mary Jo (Buydens); brother to Terrance (Laurie); Pamela (Elva) and Paulette (James) Bach. Loving father to Nicole (Aaron) Riccinto; Thomas (Ashley), Kyle (Jessica), and Matthew; proud grandfather to Tommy, Joseph, Sammy, Henry, Connor, Tillie and Nora.
Tom was born to Thomas and Phyllis Dunaj on December 4, 1957, in Detroit. He met the love of his life, Mary Jo, and the two were married on June 7, 1980 at Saint Matthews church. Together they raised four wonderful children. Tom was a dedicated police officer for the city of Detroit before he retired and began working at Chrysler. Tom's grandkids were the light of his life. He loved to play with them any chance he got. Tom was an avid University of Michigan football fan. He enjoyed playing golf, running, and spending time by the lake. Tom was the life of the party and had the most contagious laugh. He loved and was loved by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation may be made in the form of a check to (Tillie Dunaj), Tom's beloved granddaughter, who is also battling a rare disease.
Please send checks to:
52645 Tacoma Narrows Dr
Macomb MI 48042
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill D.
August 28, 2023
I played softball with Tom back in the 80's when he was with DPD and I was with the MSP. I have many fond memories of drinking some cold ones with him and enjoying his company. He was alsways smiling and "positive" about life, this world will surely miss him. Rest in peace my friend, we all know you are on a "Better place". God Bless your family.
Marilyn Beard
August 25, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. It saddens me to hear of the passing of Tom. My sincere condolences, Marilyn Hall-Beard
Martin
August 23, 2023
I am heartbroken hearing about the news of Tom's passing. Tom was a caring and loving soul. He is one of the most sincere and trustworthy people I've ever had to chance to meet and work with. His genuine care for his people was unparalleled. I will always be thankful to have met him and have had the privilege of working with him. Godspeed Tom, until we meet again.
Tom and Mary Ellen Lesperance
August 23, 2023
Our sincere condolences during this difficult time, May he rest in peace
Tom and Mary Ellen Lesperance
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Steve Bartoli
August 22, 2023
I came to know Tom when he worked in the Exec garage at Chrysler. He greeted me every day with a "How´s it goin?" and a friendly conversation. He and his team were so dedicated to their mission and I greatly appreciated his professionalism and his friendship. God Bless you Tom.
Brian Miller
August 21, 2023
Tom was my friend, and I miss him dearly. We met in '90, when my cousin recruited me to play on their police softball team. Tom ran the team and I became close with him, his wife and their kids. Tom always had a smile on his face, he had an infectious laugh, and he had only good things to say about others. He doted on his wife and kids, they were everything to him.
As a team, we traveled the nation competing in softball tournaments, drinking a beer or two (or more) and we all became close. Tom and the others took me in as the new kid, the college boy. I'm grateful for my time with that amazing group of people, and I am a better person for having Tom in my life.
Adrian Lawrence
August 21, 2023
I first met Tom at the 11th Precinct which was my police assignment from the Detroit Police Academy. I always knew Tom as a very funny guy. When I retired from the police department, I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Chrysler. It was absolutely an awesome surprise to connect with s great friend once again, as Tom continued to keep my spirits up with everyday laughter. It's not every day that you have the chance to encounter a great friend in your life like Tom Dunaj. RIP
Alex Estrada
August 21, 2023
I first met Tom in 2011 when he picked me up from the COB lot to bring me into the Chrysler Executive garage for an interview with his boss for part-time work with his unit. During the short transport to his office, I immediately recognized the type of person Tom was, as his kindness was transparent and abundant. We both soon realized how much we had in common, such as being Detroit Police Officers, growing up on the east side of Detroit, and last but not least our strong love for our families. A year later, March of 2012, Tom called to inform me that he was now in charge of the Executive Garage and wanted to know if I was still interested in part-time work. I did not hesitate to say yes. Four months later Tom offered me a full-time position with Chrysler, in which I soon thereafter retired early from DPD to accept his offer. The rest is history, as more than eleven years have passed, and I can undoubtedly say that all I am and have today is because of Tom and his kindness. My life as I know it today would not nearly be the same if he had not reached out to me a year after our initial meeting. My wife and two oldest sons have had the honor to know him and experience his love and kindness firsthand as well. Whether it was at work, at an Il Volo concert, or on the diamonds (pic attached), Tom had always demonstrated unparalleled love and tender-heartedness towards my family. I will forever be grateful for his example as a protector of those he loved. I love and will miss you forever my friend, and from the depths of my soul I sincerely thank you for embracing our friendship through thick and thin. You will always be remembered as the best of us, rest in Heavan my friend.
Jason Zurinsky
August 20, 2023
I met Tom in 2016 when he hired me into his department and from then on a wonderful friendship grew. But he wasn't just my boss, he was my mentor, an honest man, someone I always looked up too and strived to be like. He was an amazing family man outside of work and had a heart of gold. He would even bring his grandkids to my house during Halloween and we would always get in a lot of good laughs. Everyone loved Tom and his personality was one of a kind. He will never be forgotten and my prayers to out to Mary Jo and the entire Dunaj family. Rest in peace brother.
Scott Kearney
August 20, 2023
Truly heartbroken when I heard the news. A great, great guy who was a family man, friend and a guy who would do anything for you. My condolences to the entire family!! Gone, but not forgotten. RIP my friend!!
Scott Kearney
Alessandro Nasi
August 20, 2023
I will miss you so much. And will always have great memories of our time together .
Your friend Alex Nasi
Elena
August 20, 2023
Dear Mary Jo and family - we are so very saddened to hear of Toms passing. We have very fond memories of him and know how much he will be missed. Sending hugs and prayers. Love from the Maniaci´s- Joe, Elena, Carmen, Mike and Elyse
Dawn Rosenbusch
August 20, 2023
The memories of Tom will live on forever. He was, and always will be, one of kind. RIP my friend. My heart goes out to the entire Dunaj family.
in deepest sympathy, Dawn Rosenbusch
Liz Peters
August 19, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
St. Robert Catholic School
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46530 Romeo Plank Rd, Macomb Township, MI 48044
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