Robert "Bob" William Dostie: Age 95, April 1, 1930 – January 15, 2026

Robert William Dostie, known affectionately as Bob to friends and family, has finally played his last round of golf at the age of 95. Born on April Fool's Day in 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, Bob lived a life filled with humor, adventure, and an uncanny knack for turning life's mundane moments into stories worth telling.

Bob departed this world from Warren, Michigan, on January 15, 2026. He left us in the manner he often joked about—a victim of nothing more dramatic than old age.

Bob's early years were filled with the kind of experiences you'd expect from a boy growing up in the bustling streets of 1930-40s Detroit. At a rebellious 16, he hopped on a train to Texas just for kicks (much to his mother's chagrin). This street-smart kid would go on to serve five proud years in the U.S. Navy. He sailed the seas from Pearl Harbor to Panama, Korea, Alaska & Japan on the USS Abnaki ATF-96, collecting the military Korean Ribbon and losing poker games along the way. Bob had a knack for making friends wherever he went, including his lifelong buddy, Bob Haid, whom he met over a beer after being honorably discharged. 

In the early '50s, Bob took his newly-acquired dance moves from Hawaii back to Detroit, where he met the love of his life, Mary F. Dostie, at a downtown dance studio. Together, they two-stepped their way to matrimony in 1955 in Willoughby, OH, Mary's hometown. Their dance continued through five children and countless nights of laughter. they were married for 40 tremendous years until Mary's passing on December 21, 1995. 

Bob was a splicer by trade, working tirelessly at Michigan Bell Telephone & AT&T. When he wasn't climbing telephone poles or working overtime to provide for his family, he could be found perfecting his swing on the golf course or knocking down pins at the local bowling alley, achieving the enviable feat of two perfect 300 games. 

A lover of simple pleasures, Bob enjoyed long walks, bicycling rides, thrift shopping and moving to the beat of Disco and Latin grooves. His dry sense of humor and friendly nature made him a favorite among both friends and strangers. Known for his uncanny ability to whistle louder than most car alarms, Bob's unique call was the signal for his kids to return home at dusk when the streetlights came on. 

He leaves behind a loving family who will carry on his legacy: his five children, Robert (Margaret) Dostie, Michael (Karen) Dostie, Mary (Wayne) Alexander, Patricia (Dan) Burwell Gillen, and Elizabeth Esser; eight grandchildren, Mary Karina (Steven) McCarthy, Frank (Elizabeth) Dostie, Heather (Brian) Sparks, Scott Alexander, Stephen (Meghan) Burwell, Sean Burwell, Tabitha (Leo) Carter, and Brittany Esser; and eight great-grandchildren, Lucia and Francesca McCarthy, Michael and Gianna Dostie, Allie and Sophia Burwell, and Luke and Scarlett Carter. 

Bob's children fondly remember the joyful memories he created—whether it was playing cribbage and "Rain-On-The-Roof," teaching them to drive, or coaching softball. His oatmeal breakfasts on cold winter mornings were legendary, as were the thrilling backyard pool games where he tossed them skyward with glee. 

Bob's life was a testament to kindness, hard work, and a playful spirit that never dimmed. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we take comfort in knowing he's likely organizing a heavenly bowling league or challenging angels to a game of cribbage. Rest in peace, Bob—a life well lived and a heart well loved.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial visitation on Sunday, January 18th, at Wysocki Funeral Home at 29440 Ryan Rd in Warren, Michigan. Visitation is from 3-8pm, with the Holy Rosary prayer at 7pm.

The Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Monday, January 19th, at St. Louise Catholic Church at 2500 12 Mile Rd. in Warren, Michigan.