Tadeusz Palac (age 86)
February 9, 2026

Tadeusz (Ted) Palac, 86, of Hamtramck, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy of strength, integrity, and unwavering dedication.

A devoted husband to Jadwiga for 55 years, whom he loved with deep and passionate affection. He was a loving, caring and proud father to Susanna, David (Danielle), and Arthur (Gabriela), teaching them the value of resilience and self-reliance through his example. He is also survived by his cherished grandsons, Anthony, Marcos, and Lorenzo, who were a constant source of pride and joy.

Born in Chelmiec, Poland on 7-15-1939 to Jan and Zofia Palac. He came of age during World War II under both German and Russian occupation and later lived under a communist regime. These early experiences shaped a profound resilience, discipline, and inner strength that remained with him throughout his life.

Boxing became the defining passion of his life. He rose to compete as a member of the Polish National Boxing Team, proudly representing his country on the international stage. While traveling to Sweden for a boxing tournament, he made the life-altering decision not to return to Poland. In 1968, he immigrated to the United States with only ten dollars in his pocket, guided by determination, courage, and an unwavering belief in the promise of a better life.

Beyond his own journey, he was a quiet yet steadfast pillar of the Polish community. From the late 1970s through the early 1990s, he helped numerous individuals and families leave Poland and begin new lives in America. He never sought recognition for these efforts. He led with humility, served with integrity, and consistently stood ready to help those in need.

To many, he was a father figure. To the Polish community, he was a silent and dependable cornerstone. To countless others, he was known foremost as a boxing coach—one who taught far more than technique. Through boxing, he instilled discipline, respect, perseverance, and personal accountability. He possessed a rare balance of humor and seriousness, an old-school toughness shaped by experience, and a commanding presence that left a lasting impression on all he taught.

Tadeusz was defined by his relentless work ethic and proud independence. He believed in doing things himself, approaching life with a “fix-it-myself” attitude that brought, maintained, and secured comfort for his family.  Whether in his career as a or in his personal projects, he was known as a man of his word, taking immense pride in a job well done.  His hands were never idle, and he always made his home his sanctuary.

From surviving war and oppression, to representing his homeland, to building a life from nothing in America, he leaves behind a legacy of strength, integrity, and service. His influence will be felt for generations—by his family, his community, and all those whose lives he shaped through boxing and beyond.  He fought a good fight, he kept faith, and he left this world knowing he had provided everything his family needed. He will be deeply missed.

BYŁO DOBRZE!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a consideration of donations be made to the Palac Family to assist in funeral expenses.    Please make check payable to Jadwiga Palac c/o Jurkiewicz & Wilk Funeral Home, 2396 Caniff, Hamtramck MI 48212.

Visitation
Friday, February 13, 2026 from 3 – 8 PM with Rosary at 5:30 PM

Jurkiewicz & Wilk Funeral Home (map)
2396 Caniff
Hamtramck MI 48212

Funeral service
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Lying in state at 10:30 AM until time of funeral mass at 11 AM.

Our Lady Queen of Apostles Catholic Church (map)
3851 Prescott
Hamtramck MI 48212

Interment

Resurrection Cemetery (map)
18201 Clinton River Road
Clinton Township  MI 48038

Tadeusz (Ted) Palac, lat 86, z Hamtramck w stanie Michigan, zmarł spokojnie 9 lutego 2026 roku, otoczony kochającą rodziną, pozostawiając po sobie dziedzictwo siły, uczciwości i niezachwianego poświęcenia.

Oddany mąż Jadwigi przez 55 lat, którą kochał głęboką i namiętną miłością. Był kochającym, troskliwym i dumnym ojcem dla Zuzanny, Davida (Danielle) i Arthura (Gabrieli), ucząc ich wartości odporności i samodzielności swoim przykładem. Pozostawił po sobie również ukochanych wnuków, Anthony’ego, Marcosa i Lorenza, którzy byli dla niego nieustającym źródłem dumy i radości.

Urodzony w Chełmcu w Polsce 15 lipca 1939 roku, jako syn Jana i Zofii Palac. Dorastał w czasie II wojny światowej, zarówno pod okupacją niemiecką, jak i rosyjską, a później żył pod rządami komunistycznymi. Te wczesne doświadczenia ukształtowały w nim głęboką odporność, dyscyplinę i wewnętrzną siłę, które pozostały z nim przez całe życie.

Boks stał się definiującą pasją jego życia. Doszedł do formy, stając się członkiem Polskiej Reprezentacji Bokserskiej, dumnie reprezentując swój kraj na arenie międzynarodowej. Podczas podróży do Szwecji na turniej bokserski podjął przełomową decyzję o niewracaniu do Polski. W 1968 roku wyemigrował do Stanów Zjednoczonych z zaledwie dziesięcioma dolarami w kieszeni, kierując się determinacją, odwagą i niezachwianą wiarą w obietnicę lepszego życia.

Poza własną podróżą, był cichym, lecz niezłomnym filarem polskiej społeczności. Od końca lat 70. do początku lat 90. pomógł wielu osobom i rodzinom opuścić Polskę i rozpocząć nowe życie w Ameryce. Nigdy nie zabiegał o uznanie za te wysiłki. Kierował z pokorą, służył z uczciwością i był zawsze gotowy pomagać potrzebującym.