Robert Joseph Filar

Robert Joseph Filar, known lovingly as Bob, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 94 in Port Huron, Michigan. Born on June 16, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to Andrew and Sabina (Siracki) Filar, he was the third of thirteen children. A man of deep faith, Bob centered his life on his love for God and his family. Together with his wife, Connie, he created a home rooted in daily prayer, service to others, and devotion to their Savior. His final words to his wife were a tender expression of that lifelong commitment: “I love you and I love God.”

Bob served his country during the Korean Conflict, enlisting in the Army in 1951. After basic training in Hawaii, he was chosen for the Honor Guard in Germany, where he was promoted to Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge in 1953. The day after returning home, he met the love of his life, Constance DiGiovanni, at the Vanity Ballroom in Detroit. They married in 1955 and shared a beautiful marriage that lasted 70 years.

He began his career with the Detroit Police Department in 1953 as a patrolman, later serving in the Youth Bureau. In 1971 he was promoted to Detective Sergeant and served as a Court Officer. Bob earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and Investigation from Wayne State University in 1973 and retired in 1991 after 38 years of distinguished service.

In 1978, Bob and Connie moved from Detroit to Fort Gratiot, where they continued to nurture a legacy of love for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his devoted wife, Constance; their children, Susan Meyer (Craig), Brian Filar (Laura), and Mary Demetsenare (Steve Schultz); grandchildren Christina (late Todd), Steven (Michelle), Benjamin (Angela), Shannon (Carl), Rachel (late Steve), Caitlin (Nick), and Robert; and great-grandchildren Sarah, Emily, Caden, Isabella, Declan, Blake, and Linden.