John “HIPPO” Hypnarowicz (age 68)
December 10, 2020
Born January 27, 1952, John was the loving husband of Mary for 47 wonderful years. He was father of John Jr. and D’Ann and grandfather of Da-Shaun (Tony), Morgan, Leon Jr. Duece, and great grandfather of Da-Shun. He is pre-deceased by his parents Stanley and Paraska, and siblings Walt and Josephine. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews; Suzette, David, Kimmy, Mikey and many great nieces and nephews.
HIPPO loved to travel and was a friend to everyone. He worked at the Hamtramck Public Schools where he retired as Director of Transportation. He was a Hamtramck Police Reserve and was the Owner of Hippo’s in Hamtramck. His annual boat cruise that raised money for developmentally disabled children was a sold out event that made sure those children had whatever they needed to make their lives much easier. HIPPO was also a member of the International Order of Alhambra Sancho Caravan #261 and the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1670 Hamtramck.
Hippo loved being with people, whether he was enjoying his family or his guests at Hippo’s, bowling, going to hunting camp, or making sure everyone knew how appreciative he was for coming to his cruise to help raising money for Hippo’s kids. He would almost always sing a tune and show you his moves.
There are no services scheduled at this time but a virtual memorial will be held from Hippo’s Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Hippos-109680292400419 Hippo’s Last Ride please check back for updates
Mary and the family ask that donations be made in John’s name to:
St. Francis Camp on the Lake http://www.saintfranciscamp.org/home.htm
Mooseheart http://www.mooseheart.org
What a wonderful man who was never without a smile. Always enjoyed having “Hippo” drive our team bus while coaching at Ham High. A true ambassador for Hamtramck! God bless and prayers to the family. RIP Hippo!
Uncle John I’m really going to miss you I love seeing you and Aunt Mary together for so long. And when I was a kid I lived upstairs from you you always make sure I was all right cuz my dad he always worked a lot. You are a great man you were well loved by thousands of people I will miss you with all my heart I will make sure Aunt Mary is going to be okay love your nephew David John Hypnarowicz
Hippo was a great friend, especially to all the children! I never saw him without a smile on his face, helping anyone in need. Heaven has gained a special angel…. ❤️❤️
Hippo was a great man! He and his family made every special needs child in Hamtramck feel special. My son Eddie always looked forward not only to the Christmas party, but each time Hippo would pull up in the bus, open the door and greet him with a smile and hello. He will always hold a special place in our ❤. Love and condolences to his family!
Hippo soooooooo loved people and in turn they loved him Never heard him say a bad word about anyone
May God Bless Hippo and his family and comfort them with his everlasting love
My condolences to Mary, John Jr, D’Ann and all family and friends. I remember Hippo from a very young age as our families have been connected for decades. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized he wasn’t a blood uncle because I saw him at so many family gatherings. I am indebted to him for the opportunity I had to live upstairs from him. I enjoyed seeing him regularly and I had the feeling that him and Mary were keeping an eye on me. I enjoyed occasions of talking with Hippo and Mary at their kitchen table, smoking cigarettes and just talking. Sometimes I would translate letters that his mother received from the German government. He wanted to make sure their English translation was correct. 🙂 May you rest in eternal peace and enjoy the fruits of your labor here on earth.
Дай Боже!
Our sincerest condolences to the family of John. I sure enjoyed having a drink or two with him, and Sandy and I always looked forward to the boat cruise. Rest in Peace, my friend. Hit! Wayne and Sandy
I send my heartfelt sympathy to the entire Hypnarowicz family for the loss of husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, all the other extended family in the U.S., Poland, and the Ukraine. John was a good friend to everyone, and he always had time for everyone. He was my brother, Richard’s beast friend back to their grade school time together at Our Lady Help of Christians. They went everywhere together and did everything together. John was like a “little” brother to me with our friendship going back 60 years. It seems like a lot of people lived upstairs from John and his wife, Mary. I was one of the many that lived upstairs, too, before I left for Texas. John lived his life the way he saw fit and he fully lived life to his best advantage that he could. John did the things he loved right up to the end going hunting with several his friends, socialized with friends at fraternal organizations, and just everything he did. I feel like I have seen the passing of an incredibly good friend that was more like a brother to me. John and Mary seemed to be so very well matched as a husband and wife of 47 years. Mary was like a little sister to me, too. I will miss our regular Skype calls we had every week. I never went back to Detroit for a visit that I did not go to see John and Mary. John and Mary were woven into the fabric of who I am. But I will keep all the good memories of John with his singing and dancing to the Motown jams especially “My Girl” by the Temptations. John, I will carry you with me till I take my last breath on this earth and then I’ll get to see you, again. Requiescat in pace
I was Mr Hippos bus aide for many years! Volunteered for the disabled children Christmas parties he put together. Not to mention my family has known him as long as I can remember! We had lots of laughs on that school bus! He will be missed!!
Knew hippo and his family for many years everything everybody says it’s true really was a great man one-of-a-kind will be missed see you again rest in peace my friend
I am sad to hear that my friend Hippo has passed on. He was old-school Hamtramck and always looked out for the students and athletes of HPS. Hippo was always quick with a smile and was an awesome host at his bar on Conant for years and years. I truly enjoyed listening to him tell of all the cool places that he traveled to. Rest easy Hippo, you were absolutely one of a kind.
I am sad to hear that my friend Hippo has passed on. He was old-school Hamtramck and always looked out for the students and athletes of HPS. Hippo was always quick with a smile and was an awesome host at his bar on Conant for years and years. I truly enjoyed listening to him tell of all the cool places that he traveled to. Rest easy Hippo, you were absolutely one of a kind and you will be missed.
We will miss Hippo dearly . He was a funny and kind man and enjoyed him and Mary’s company at our get togethers and especially in our Aruba vacations . During the summer months Mary and Hippo would stop by to see us and we would have a nice chat. RIP our friend .