Leonard Charles Nagorski

Leonard Charles Nagorski "Len", age 83, died suddenly and unexpectedly, Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Len was born Sunday, February 12, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan, the son of the late Charles Nagorski and the late Viola (nee: Matejewski) Nagorski.

Len was raised in Detroit on Detroit's lower eastside within a traditional Polish Catholic family. He attended and graduated from St. Anthony Catholic High School. Following high school, Len continued his studies at trade school where he became a proficient draftsman. While a young man with a fascination for automobiles, Len loved cruising in his 1958 Chevy convertible with his buddies.

Len went to work for General Motors at the Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. He would eventually retire as a senior process engineer after more than 34 years of faithful service within the automotive industry. While working for GM Len made many dear friends and numerous golf buddies.

Len and his wife Jo settled in Warren where they raised their son and daughter. While raising his children he could be stern, however, mellowed later in life, telling his daughter Cindy "not to sweat the little stuff". He taught both his daughter and son how to bait a fish and where to find all the fish. He was the consummate Dad, allowing his children to sit on his lap while steering the car home, (now an arrestable offense).

Len never lost his Polish Eastside roots, often he would take his daughter to the Hamtramck Polish poultry market for Czarnina Soup (duck blood soup), so that grandma Viola could prepare meals. Additionally, there were many trips to Stroh's Ice Cream Parlor at 13 mile and Hoover Road with the kids. He shared his love of popcorn made in a frying pan with oil "the only way", with his family. When his daughter and son bought their first homes, Len shared his knowledge and mechanical skills of home ownership but was always willing and available to come help at the drop of a hat.

Len has been described by his family and friends as one of the most kind and giving individuals anyone would come to know. He was always willing to help without question, and offer sage advice to his children and grandchildren. Never one to complain about himself or his aches and pains as he aged… Len was more interested to help others with their problems.

In the years following Len's retirement… he most aptly would be described as a simple man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Len kept his home and yard immaculate and took care of his dear wife Jo. He was an avid and lifelong fisherman, who could be found any chance he had out on the lake fishing. Len, his son Chris, and grandson Josh caught so many fish, primarily perch, over the years, that the freezers at home are still stocked. Len also loved to play golf with his childhood friend of over 70 years. The two played together once a week and looked forward to seeing one another joke and play. Len wasn't that good as his age caught up to his golf game, but the two buddies always had great laughs and something to talk about during lunch.

To know Len was to know a man that was precise in all he did, along with being patient and calm. He took his time doing everything… and sometimes he walked so slow his grandchildren called him "Papa Turtle". Len could be a stubborn Polish man, but if you bribed him with his favorite treat, oatmeal raisin cookies, or his drink of choice, Jack Daniels on the rocks with an orange slice, you had him in the palm of your hand.
After he got what he wanted, he would sit back in his big leather chair and wiggle his toes with a jolly smile and a hearty laugh, making his shoulders move up and down.

Len loved his family unconditionally, especially his grandchildren whom he adored. Len cherished the times when the grandkids were young and would come and spend the night. When Len's granddaughter Amanda was little and wanted to play games or put on a show with her brother Josh, whom she usually had to beg or bribe to perform with her, Len would beam with excitement. He referred to Amanda as Pumpkin or his little Paczki. Len was also a talented woodworker making a shoe shelf for Amanda's dolls or a train table for Josh when they were both young. Later making a headboard for Amanda's dorm room at MSU and many items for Jo over the years.

As the years passed by and the grandkids got older, as the holiday season approached Len would become a bit of a "Mr. Scrooge"… he said the holidays weren't fun anymore because the grandchildren were grown and he wanted their younger years back to see the excitement in their eyes. However, when Christmas day arrived he became overjoyed with having all of his family together to celebrate. This is probably why Len's favorite song is "I fall to pieces", by Patsy Cline.

Leonard Nagorski is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Joella "Jo" Nagorski, along with his dear children, Cindy Nagorski, and Chris (Lisa) Nagorski. Len is further survived by his grandchildren, Amanda and Josh Nagorski, and his two granddogs, Jax and Roxy. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Norman (Sylvia) Nagorski.

A Memorial Mass for Len will be held May 5, 2023, at St. Therese Lisieux Catholic Church, 48115 Schoenherr Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48315. The Nagorski family will receive friends and guests from 10:30 am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11 am.

Memorial donations in Len's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org , Leader Dogs for the Blind, www.leaderdog.org , or the Fr. Solanus Casey Capuchin Soup Kitchen, www.cskdetroit.org Please share your memories of Len at his Memory Book above.