John Curzytek

John Curzytek, 74, passed away peacefully at his home on August 15, 2026.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, proud Air Force veteran, and Ford retiree of 30 years. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda, with whom he would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this November; his son, Jason; his daughter, Kristen (Derek) Paquin; and his grandson, Brooks.

Anyone who knew John knew he could be a fun loving, but stubborn man. Things had to be done his way, and once John had made up his mind, there wasn’t much chance of changing it. But that stubborn streak was simply part of the larger-than-life personality his family knew and loved. He was fun, had a personality all his own, and had a way of leaving people with something to remember. One of his favorite pieces of advice was simply, “B kool.”

To many, John was also known as “Tazzman,” a nickname inspired by his white 1933 Plymouth, the Tasmania devil on the back. He and Linda shared that passion for cars throughout their nearly 50 years together, and John passed his love of cars and sports along to both Jason and Kristen.

For 30 years, John worked for Ford before retiring to enjoy more time with family, cars, and the things he loved. John was also an avid Detroit sports fan and loved nothing more than spending time with his family enjoying a game.

Above everything else, John loved his family. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a dad, and, eventually, Grandpa to Brooks—a title that added another special chapter to his life.

Perhaps there couldn’t have been a more fitting day for the Tazzman to make his final exit. John passed away on August 15, the day of the Woodward Dream Cruise, when classic and muscle cars once again filled Woodward Avenue. For a man who spent a lifetime loving cars and sharing that passion with the people he loved, the timing feels uniquely his.

John will be deeply missed by his family and friends. And in true Tazzman fashion, he’d probably leave everyone with the same simple advice he always did: B kool.