Gerald R. Haliburda, Jr.

It is with great sadness that the family of Gerry Haliburda, Jr. announces that he was taken from us suddenly on Monday, April 30, 2018. He was born on May 17, 1958 to Patricia and Gerald Haliburda at Grace Hospital in Detroit. His childhood was filled with football, baseball, swimming, family, friends and spending time with his late grandparents Joseph and Sophie Kroll and Jean and Walter Haliburda. Gerry attended St. Valentine Catholic School and St. Agatha High School, where football was his passion. He practiced karate and was an accomplished black belt. He dedicated 29 years to his former family business, Midway Golf. During those 29 years he mentored, guided, helped and coached thousands of kids. He was a kind and giving man and would help anyone and everyone in need, which he did. He is survived by his heartbroken parents, Gerald Haliburda, Sr. and Patricia Haliburda. He was an amazing and extraordinary father to three children, Todd Vaughn (Carrie), Kimberly Burnett (Sean) and JR Haliburda (Nichole). He was always there to listen, solve any problem and always make you feel welcome and loved. When his children were young he could be found at every practice and game, especially for the Allen Park Bulldogs and a familiar face around the city. Gerry was the rock of the family. Everyone could count on him 24/7 no matter what. Nothing could get in his way. You called, he was there. He took care of everyone. He was the best brother anyone could ask for. His sisters, Lisa Clarkson (Paul), Colleen Haliburda and Mary Beth Haliburda will forever feel a deep and sorrowful hole in their hearts that will never be filled. As an uncle, he was second to none, his niece Anna Clarkson loved him every day he was here with us. His love for his grandchildren was beyond words. His world revolved around his three precious little girls. He was a doting Papa and best friend to Isabella Stinchcombe, Madilynn Vaughn and Sophia Haliburda. Gerry loved spending time in the gym, taking care of his health, being outdoors, going up north, hunting, concerts, listening to music and taking pride in his home. He also loved hosting family parties and entertaining. Family was the most important thing to him. He was fun to be around and always wanted to be sure others were having fun too. He was strong, resilient, loyal, charismatic, hard working, had a smile a mile wide, handsome, funny, had a rousing laugh, loving, and will be forever missed. We are shattered. Visitation at Martenson Funeral Home 10915 Allen Road, Allen Park, Michigan on Wednesday, May 2 from 5-9 p.m.; Thursday, May 3 from 2-9, rosary at 6 p.m.; Friday, May 4, 2018 instate at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Dearborn Heights, Michigan at 9:00 a.m. funeral mass at 9:30 a.m. Memorial donations may be made directly to the family or donor's charity of choice in his name. Luncheon will be held at Pia's Pizzeria 21142 Ecorse Road, Taylor, Michigan, 48180 immediately following the funeral mass. We will not be visiting the cemetery after mass, luncheon will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m.