John Dobozy, 90, of Westland, Michigan, passed away on January 27, 2026. Born March 18, 1935, to Rose and Kenneth Dobozy, John lived a life defined by hard work, loyalty, humor, and generosity.

John was a beloved fixture in Westland, known as the barber everyone trusted — and the friend everyone kept. For 65 years he wasn't just cutting hair; he was listening, mentoring, laughing, and making sure people left his chair more a little more put-together than when they arrived. John had a way of becoming part of a person's life — one haircut, one conversation, one piece of wisdom at a time.

John's personality was unmistakable: soft heart, sharp wit. He was direct, sarcastic in the best way, and often "in charge." But underneath all that was a man who truly cared. He was always there to help friends and customers, especially those going through tough times. And to so many, he'll always be remembered as the only barber who knew how to give a real brush cut.

When he wasn't barbering, John embraced the hobbies that made life fun. He loved bowling with his brother Estes, fishing on his boat, gardening in his yard, and enjoying his cabin up North. He loved playing and coaching sports, especially touch football and baseball.

He proudly served in the United States Army as a tank mechanic and cartographer.

John was preceded in death by his siblings Tom, Charles, Dorothy, Jake, Barbara, and Estes.

He is survived by his three children: John A. Dobozy, Lorie Novelly (Ray Novelly), and Suzanne Dobozy; and his beloved grandchildren, Thomas Novelly (Emily Williams) and Julie Novelly-Newberg (McCoy Newberg), who were his pride and joy.

Chasing 300s, catching fish and footballs — and telling it like it is. That was John. And he will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, from 3:00–7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass and burial will take place Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Mary's Parish in Wayne, Michigan; additional details will be shared by the family.

Tribute to my Dad

3/27/2026

My dad was a good man who lived a good life.

After speaking with so many of you, I’m so surprised at how my dad touched so many lives through mentoring, sharing, caring, and laughter. He had so many friends in the community, and it has meant so much to hear all the stories of his friendships, kindness, and the many ways he touched people’s lives.

He lived fully. He loved his cabin up north. We would boat, smoke fish, and make tomato juice from his garden crops. He was a hands-on, fix-it kind of guy. He believed that if you had hands, you could fix it. He taught me so much about how to repair things and take care of what you have. He helped us open our bakeries, laying cement and mudding drywall, always willing to work and help however he could.

He loved sports, especially touch football, baseball and golf. He was a great Little League coach.

He had the best of everything - just ask him and he would tell you. The best lawn, the best garden, the best dogs, and of course, the best haircuts. He even had the best house, of which a full-size replica was made and is, to this day, parked in front of the art museum in downtown Detroit.

We spoke almost every day. Later, when he needed help, he came to Tennessee to live with us. But he missed home and everything and everyone he knew, so he went back. Now, hearing all the stories of his friendships, I understand even more why he needed to be home.

I am forever grateful to him and my mom for giving me life, and to God for giving me my wonderful family.

My dad’s final three years were challenging for all of us. He had dementia, and his world changed. The man who had been the leader, the coach, the barber, and the mentor became a man who often felt trapped. His thoughts were not his thoughts. His frustration was my frustration. Dementia is a terrible disease, one that truly tests your faith.

When my dad passed, and I heard all the stories of his friendships, deeds, and the lives he touched, it reminded me of who he truly was. Thank you to all who called, visited, comforted, and cared.

He was my dad, my children’s adoring grandpa, and I was his daughter, confidante, and buddy throughout my whole life, no matter how far away Ray and I lived. He was proud of us and of who we had become. I will miss you more than words can say, Dad, and I love you with all my heart. You were a good man, and you lived a blessed life.