Former Ferndale Mayor Dies at Age 86

The community is mourning the loss of longtime resident and former Ferndale mayor Robert Paczkowski.

Robert J. "Bob" Paczkowski, who served as mayor in the '70s and lived in Ferndale for many years with his wife and family, died Sunday in Waterford at the age of 86, according to a Spaulding & Curtin Funeral Directors obituary.

Paczkowski was the beloved husband of 63 years to the late Kay and the loving father of Christine (Bruce) Green, Carol Marcoux (Ken Murney), Patti (Victor) Salazar, Lynne (Greg) Gagner and Kathy (David) Petoskey. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, according to Spaulding & Curtin.

You can read the full obituary here.

Visitation will be held at Spaulding & Curtin Funeral Directors in Ferndale from 2-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28. A service will be held at the funeral home at 6 p.m.

Interment will be held Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road in Holly. Memorial contributions can be made to the VFW Post 1407, 3323 Chester in Ferndale.

Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter said Tuesday night that he had just learned of Paczkowski's death and was saddened by the news.

"Bob was a longtime Ferndale resident, very involved in the city, obviously in elected politics but also in the VFW and different organizations in town, and just a very active guy," Coulter said. "I'm very sad to hear of his passing."

Coulter said Paczkowski was a longtime mayor, serving three terms as mayor and even longer on City Council. He originally served in the '70s and then served again in the '90s, Coulter said.

A guestbook is available on the funeral home's website where condolences can be shared. You are also welcome to share your memories in the comments section below.