Rodney J. Tabaczynski

Rodney J. Tabaczynski, age 80, of Northville, passed away on April 20, 2025. He was born on January 7, 1945; son of John and Florence (Jankowiak) Tabaczynski. He was born and raised in New York. After completing his education, he relocated to Birmingham, Michigan to be closer to the heart of the auto industry. Shortly after, he settled in Northville, where he has lived for the past 48 years.

He graduated from Sloan High School in Cheektowaga, New York, and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University at Buffalo. He then pursued graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering.

Rodney began his career as a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry at General Motors before quickly transitioning to Ford Motor Company, where he dedicated 25 years of service. During his time at Ford, he authored several patents and was honored with the prestigious award of Ford Technical Fellow. He retired at the age of 57 as the Director of Powertrain and Research at the Scientific Research Lab, now known as the Ford Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn. Following his retirement, Rodney chose to share his expertise by becoming a professor and advisor at Michigan State University.

Rodney had a lifelong love for golf and took pride in crafting his own custom clubs. He treasured his vacations to Sanibel, Florida, where he could often be found walking his dog along the beach or casting a line from the shore. A sweet tooth at heart, he especially enjoyed mint chocolate chip ice cream in recent years. From a young age, Rodney showed musical talent—he played the saxophone in a band after high school and later shared his love of music by playing duets with his late wife, Dinah on the piano and Rodney on the saxophone. Above all, Rodney valued time with his family. He was a kind, generous, and gentle spirit—always warm, approachable, and grounded. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and the many colleagues whose lives he touched.

Rodney is survived by his children, Michael (Kristen) Tabaczynski and Karen (Kevin) Small; his sister Elaine Pyzikiewski; and his grandsons, John Tabaczynski, Cullen Tabaczynski, and Johnathan Small. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife and mother of his children, Bernice Tabaczynski, and his second wife Dinah Payne.

Visitation will be held, Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. A funeral service will be held Monday, April 28, 2025 at 11:00 am, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. Rodney will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Michigan Parkinson Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, Michigan 48025.