Jacob Leon Sobieraj

Age 89. Beloved husband of the late Heliadore (Polonski) Sobieraj. Their union produced five children. Mary S. Rowan (John Cavataio), Margaret Sobieraj, Monica S. Darga (Christopher), Joseph Blaise Sobieraj and Gregory Anthony Sobieraj (John Briggs). Grandfather of Dr. Jacob Joseph Rowan D.O. (Wendy Sylvester), Dr. Christopher George Rowan, PhD., Thomas Cavataio (Erin), Anthony Cavataio (Fiance Kate Wagner), Jada Wagensomer, Blaise Wagensomer and Anne McGuffin. Great-grandfather to William C. Rowan, Jillian L. Rowan, Alexis McGuffin, John Cavataio and James Cavataio.Survived by brother Jerome Sobieraj (Roberta) and the families of the late Genevieve Dudek (the late Walter), the late Celia Schuster (the late Walter), the late Helen Tomich(the late Louis) and the late Rita Zeller (Don). Also uncle to many nieces and nephews and countless godchildren. Born to Aniela Madalinska and Jakub Sobieraj who immigrated to Detroit from Smilowice, Poland. Jacob was the first son who survived after 4 infant deaths. Jacob started life in the St. Hedwig area of Michigan and Junction in Detroit. Jacob was known to be a very industrious and studious child. His late sister in-law, Dorothy Jasinski said: "He always had something going on and would enlist all his friends to help whether they liked it or not!!!" He graduated with top honors from Western High School, where he met the beautiful Heliadore Polonski. World War II interrupted their courtship but she promised to wait for him to return from war. After enlisting in the Navy, Jacob was a quick study, after only 3 hours of flight instruction he flew solo as a Naval Pilot. He served in the Phillipine Theatre, flew the amphibious PBY Catalina and was involved in the rescue efforts of the USS Indianapolis. He also flew various missions to 23 islands in the South Pacific. On his return, he and Heliadore married at St. Hedwig's Church on 10-27-1945. Their family followed over the next 16 years. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, he attended University of Detroit, Undergrad then Law School. Jacob had an incredible work ethic and worked many jobs while in law school. He was a great florist, a butcher, and train checker. He also assisted his father in-law John Polonski in filling bags of "Fresh Roasted Peanuts" to sell at Tiger games at then Briggs Stadium. But of all his many and varied interests, the law was his passion and Probate was his love. To quote Judge Roman S. Gribbs on learning of his friends death, "Not only was he a skilled attorney, but he was an advocate with the heart of a giant." He solo practiced in Delray, Michigan, with the late Stanley J. Mirus. He later joined forces with his law school friend the late Richard J. Michael, and built a solid neighborhood practice in the Warrendale area of Detroit, where they remained for over 40 years. Fluent in Polish language, he became the Attorney for the Polish Consulate in the midwest and frequently traveled to their Chicago headquarters and to Poland to settle estates. As a result of his efforts, he was honored by the Polish Government, the equivalent of Knighthood. During their last ten years together Sobieraj and Michael moved their office to St. Mary Hospital in Livonia, Michigan, where they excelled in the practice of Hospital Law. They were totally devoted to the Felician Sisters, who were not only clients but dear friends. Once the Hospital changed management, Jacob returned to private practice in Livonia. Throughout his entire life Jacob loved and supported the City of Detroit. He owned numerous businesses in the community, Grand Belt Flower Shop, across from St. Hedwig Church, The Pub, a bar on Warren Ave., Cafe GiGi. His travels to Poland allowed him to reunite with relatives still living there and he contributed handsomely to improve their quality of life. He invested in several businesses in Poland: Tolmars, a meat packing plant, Jacob, a department store, and a leather goods factory. Jacob was also very active in numerous organizations. He assisted in founding the PTO at St. Christopher and started Sunday bagel sales after the Masses. He was a longstanding member of the Polish Advocates Society and the Polish Festival Committee. He was also responsible for the establishment of the Polish Room at Wayne State University. He was a confidant to several Detroit Mayors; Jerome Cavanaugh, Judge Roman S. Gribbs and Coleman A. Young, who appointed Jacob to the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Commission. Jacob L. Sobieraj was a man who came from humble beginnings who lived and provided for his family the American Dream. He was an exemplary part of that "Greatest Generation" for whom we owe our gratitude. For the last 2 years of his life, in lieu of nursing home care, his daughter Monica and son in-law Chris brought him into their home in Acton, California and lovingly cared for him until his death. A memorial visitation will be at Sajewski Funeral Home, 19111 W. Warren Detroit, 48228 on Friday, October 7, 1-9pm with scripture readings at 7pm. The following day, Saturday, October 8, there will be a Memorial Mass at 11am, in St. Ambrose Church 15020 Hampton, Grosse Pointe Park, 48230 followed by a "Polish Feast", in the Ark adjoining the Church.

Jacob Leon Sobieraj

March 14, 1922 - September 17, 2011