Anthony Gutowski

Anthony “Ted” Gutowski was always a friendly, patient man, and invariably had something good to say about everyone, whether dear friend or simple acquaintance. A huge Tigers fan, and a caring father, he worked to sow the seeds of responsibility in each of his children, providing them with various tasks of which they were capable, but giving them the freedom to work it out on their own. In that way they could enjoy the sense of achievement, he realized. A voracious reader himself, he also instilled in his kids an important lifetime love for reading.

Born August 19, 1932 at the height of the Great Depression, Anthony, or little “Teddy” as he came to be called, brought great joy to his family in a difficult world. Curiously enough, Zippo lighters were just being developed, and James Chadwick had just discovered the neutron—both now household names. Seismometers were being revolutionized through the invention of zero-length springs, Hitler was gaining recognition and power, and the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) produced its first broadcast. Republican committees were working to repeal the Prohibition of alcohol in the United States that had been in place since 1920, and would finally do so in the next year. Dust storms were increasing in both number and size in the American Southwest, bringing on what would become known as the Dust Bowl, eventually producing a mass migration within the United States. Thirty-three percent of Americans were out looking for employment, but the Gutowski household found delight in young Teddy. He was earning his nickname “Teddy” as he toddled about lugging his ever-present Teddy bear. Eventually as an adult, he shortened his alias to “Ted,” and appreciated the fact that his nickname had originally started with Theodore Roosevelt, one of his favorite American Presidents.

Ted spoke of being the youngest student attending Cass Tech High School. He was a very intelligent young man which earned him the ability to skip a few grades and later study Law at the University of Detroit.

While in the Army in the early 1950s, Ted was stationed in both New Rochelle, New York, and in San Antonio, Texas. He enjoyed his position in the Army Press office, and often modeled for the staff photographer, coming away with many photos of himself from that time period. His experience here introduced him to what would later become his career in the industrial publishing world.

After his time serving in the Army, Ted came back to the Detroit area where he would soon meet his future wife Therese. They met at the Penobscot building when Ted was visiting a friend, she just so happened to be working as the secretary. After much convincing Ted was able to talk his friend into getting her phone number for him. Ted always remembered the anniversary of their first date, November 19, 1955 and getting lost on his way to pick her up before attending a dance at the Veteran's Memorial Building in Detroit.

He worked at Industrial Machinery News, or “IMN.” The publication is still distributed today, though now online, and dispenses useful guides and tips for the metal machinery industry on equipment, precision, and profitability. When his children were young, especially in the early elementary grades, Ted would often take them to his office on Saturdays when he had to finish the layout work for his end-of-the month deadline. To keep them busy and entertained while he finished his work, Ted would give them odd—but important—jobs around the office. For example, they would work at unloading a big box of paper towels onto the shelf, stacking them neatly and proficiently.

Ted’s work sometimes sent him on business trips, including a rare but important one in the 1970s to distant New York City. While there for business, he also made time to visit his relatives, Paul and Leslie, and came away with a new dog for his children! Paul and Leslie could no longer care for the little Yorkie, named Dexter, so Ted brought the dog home to his excited kids—a new member of the family, and one he enjoyed greatly himself!

Baseball was one of Ted’s beloved pastimes, and he delighted in both watching and playing it as often as possible. He relished playing catch with his children in the front yard. He would take them to Tigers games as often as possible, as they were his favorite sports team. He especially prized the 1968 World Series when the Tigers were the national champions, and came from behind at a 3-1 deficit to beat out the defending St. Louis Cardinals in a tight seven games. It was the Tigers’ third championship in their history, and the only time the Cardinals lost a series’ seventh game. In the baseball off-season, he would bring his kids to the Detroit Red Wings matches, or even to the Monday night football games when they were still played at Tiger Stadium.

Reading was Ted’s other treasured pastime, and he would often read a minimum of a book a week. Non-fiction was his favorite to read, particularly United States history. He greatly enjoyed reading about the United States Presidents, especially his beloved Theodore Roosevelt. Through his example and habit, Ted instilled an important love for reading in his children as well, and would take them to the local Redford library as often as possible.

Anthony Gutowski passed away peacefully December 18th, 2015 at age 83. Beloved husband of the late Therese. Loving father of Roy (Nancy), Adam (Julie), Aaron (Janice), Jill (Ronald) Wright, and Neil (Rachel). Dear grandfather of Nicholas and Natalie Wright, Grant and Adeline Gutowski, as well as, Ethan and Megan Gutowski. Visitation 10am until time of service 1pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (between Middlebelt and Merriman). Interment Glen Eden Cemetery.