Rob (Robbin Edward) Potyraj

Rob (Robbin Edward) Potyraj died at his home Wednesday September 10, 2025, while receiving Corewell hospice services.He was lovingly cared for by his wife, sons, and their wives. “He was my rock, my confidant, my all”. He was a good man, a gentleman, a humble man, a giving man – who did not like to draw attention to himself. Rob was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He attended Catholic Central High School and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1979. He later graduated from Aquinas College with his Bachelor Degree in 1986. Rob was an ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith spending over 45 years as a Locksmith and family business owner. He was the 3rd generation owner of Robbins Lock Shop Inc., which has a 4th generation in place. He had a strong work ethic to the “Nth” degree and always provided exceptional customer service with a smile and a joke. Rob was married to the love of his life Mary Kay (Debri) Potyraj for 33 years 340 days. They spent more than half of their lives together, through thick & thin and lived their lives to the fullest. He preferred to fish when the fish were biting, always rooted for the underdog and was a true Detroit Lions fan. Rob enjoyed watching obscure classic movies, even if he started watching in the middle. He took pride in his yearly garden and was the family Grill Master. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Kay; his three sons, their wives and his three grandsons: John and Beth Debri (Ethan and Thomas), Josh and Claire Potyraj (Rhys), Matthew and Lizzie Potyraj. Rob is also survived by three sisters Sue “Suki” Brown, Sally Hansen, Kate (Mike) Rodibaugh, added family “in-laws” Karen Ford, Marilyn (Dan) Boyd, Robert (Darlene) Debri, Michelle (Perry) Grifka, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Chara Potyraj, and his brother-in-law John Hansen. The family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Andrew Sochacki, MD of the Cancer and Hematology Centers, Surgical Oncologist with Corewell Health Dr. Gerald P. Wright, MD and their clinic and hospital staff, the nurses and entire staff of 5 Center of Butterworth for their compassionate care for Rob and Mary Kay, also a thank you goes to Jill Onesti, DO- Surgical Oncologist at Lack’s Cancer Center as well as the radiation and oncology team. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday September 18, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 2510 Richmond NW where his family will receive visitors one hour before the Mass. Private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. Rob’s family will receive visitors Wednesday September 17, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW where the Rosary will be prayed Wednesday evening at 8:30 pm. If attending any event, please note, the family will not be wearing traditional, somber apparel, but instead wearing colorful attire. Please feel free to join us in wearing celebratory clothing or whatever you are comfortable wearing. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Hands of Hope Foundation www.handsofhopefoundation.com “to lend a hand to our community by providing intentional financial support to our cancer patients, their families, and the organizations that support them in West Michigan.”

Tributes

Rob (Robbin Edward) Potyraj

September 11, 1961 - September 10, 2025