Eugene Petrovich

Eugene (Gene) Donald Petrovich, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025, surrounded by his family. He had a life well-lived, always opting to ‘take the scenic route,’ with a boundless sense of curiosity and adventure. Born on March 2, 1936, in Detroit, MI, Gene was the son of Eugene and Olga (Pisarov) Petrovich. Beloved father to his five children Millie (Rick) Buiteweg, the late Gino (Denise) Petrovich, Jenny (Bob) Kosnik, Julie (Devon) Hinkle and Andy (Carolyn) Petrovich, and proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Leo Drekich, Peter Drekich, George Drekich and Milly Fotiades (Drekich.) He worked as a tool design draftsman/engineer for Chrysler Corporation for 33 years. “Dr. Gino” made many life-long friends among his colleagues due to his sense of humor. In all areas of his life, he was a deep listener and was always attentive to what others had to say. A proud first generation American, Gene never forgot his Serbian heritage. In his youth, he was an active member of the St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral-Ravanica. Over the years, he happily attended several Serbian golf tournaments at various locations throughout the country and numerous events at Serbian Hall. All his life, Gene found joy in simple pleasures—walking through the woods, bicycling throughout his home town as well as across the globe, hiking national highpoints in addition to a trek through the foothills of the Himalayas. Most of all, he loved spending time on the upper deck of his river home, watching the water and soaking in the peace the view brought him. He never met a stranger, always offered a welcoming hand and opened his heart to people around him. His legacy lives on in every trail he walked, every story shared on the deck and at his kitchen counter, and every memory held dear by those he loved. He will be deeply missed. Visitation for Gene will be from 3:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday July 18, 2025 at the Wasik Funeral Home – Gendernalik Chapel, 35259 23 Mile Road, New Baltimore. A private family burial will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life 2:00-5:00 pm at Gene’s residence. Memorials may be made in Gene’s honor to a local park or nature conservancy.

Eugene Petrovich

March 2, 1936 - July 14, 2025