Dennis Droba passed away on June 29, 2023 after a multiyear battle with amyloidosis, fighting to the bitter end.  He was a beloved husband and father who gave everything he had in caring for and providing for his family, setting them up for success and prosperity at all stages.

Dennis was born in 1940 to Walter and Cecile in Cleveland, Ohio.  He was the eldest of three; his brother Darryl, his wife Monica, and is sister Christine survive him.  He left his native state to attend Michigan Technological University in the Upper Peninsula.  He came to Detroit in 1963 immediately after finishing his degree in mechanical engineering and remained in Michigan thereafter.  He worked as a certified Professional Engineer specializing in industrial heating and cooling design for his entire career.

He met his wife Diane, who survives him, in 1972 and married her in 1973.  The two remained as close a couple from the day of their betrothal until the very end.  Dennis is also survived by his son Justin (born 1984), who resides in Houston with his wife Melissa.  Dennis had a very close relationship with his son and departed Earth with his son at his bedside.  Despite his declining health, he was able to travel to Texas to witness his son and daughter-in-law's wedding in Texas earlier this year.

In his younger days, Dennis was an avid traveler with Diane, enjoying the most beautiful scenery and landscape the country has to offer in his quest to visit as many national parks as possible.  He was a zealous photographer of his travels and shared the hobby with his son.

Dennis was a diehard sports fan, cheering for his native Cleveland teams throughout his life, even through the teams' constant heartbreak.  He was especially passionate in his support for Ohio State, despite the continual (but playful) harassment from Mitten-state natives.  He loved football and especially hockey, adopting the sport like a true Michigan native from his college days forward.  He and Diane were dedicated high school sports fans, continuing to attend every Catholic Central event they could even 20 years after their son graduated from the school.

His love of sports went beyond merely being a spectator.  He began collecting sports memorabilia and autographs in the mid 1990s, often traveling across the country with his son to obtain those signatures.  He continued the hobby on his own long after his son departed for college and received great enjoyment and pride from his collection.  He was still adding to his collection the week before his passing, always scouring internet auction sites for desired items he was not able to obtain in person himself.

Visitation Wednesday from 3-8 pm with a 7 pm scripture service at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home.  In state Thursday at 9:30 am until time of funeral mass at 10 am at the Church of the Divine Child.