Ralend “Ral” Frank Homovec was born July 12, 1933 in Cleveland, OH, the son of Frank and Josephine (Sorsek) Homovec. He passed from this life on October 28, 2021, in West Bloomfield, MI in the care of his sons, their families and Hospice of Michigan at the age of 88. He was a resident of Naples, FL for over 10 years and returned to Michigan for medical care until his passing.

Ral and Peggy Jean Howard were united in marriage on September 1, 1956 in Cleveland, OH and shared over 40 years together until her passing on August 19, 1997. They moved to Michigan in 1962 where he worked in the automotive component parts industry, three decades with Gabriel Shock Absorbers, rising to Vice President OEM Sales where his business accomplishments enabled the transition later to President of Lemforder Corporation. He was an honorary, lifetime member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Ral was active in supporting his sons’ interest in sports, serving as the President of Dad’s Clubs, Farmington Rockets Football, Farmington Harrison Football Booster Club and spending hours throwing footballs and batting practice in the backyard of their Farmington Hills, MI home. His passion and support continued throughout his grandchildrens’ sports activities both domestic and abroad.

Ral was a proud veteran of the United States Army, enlisting at the age of 17. He served in the Honor Guard of General James Van Fleet, the commanding General of United States Army and other United Nation forces during the Korean War, until requesting reassignment to his Regiment where he served with distinction as a combat soldier. During his tour of duty, he earned the Combat Infantry Badge, two Cluster Stars on the Korean Service Medal, and he achieved the rank of Sargent First Class and Platoon Sargent before an honorable discharge at the age of 20. Ral was active with the VFW and American Legion, and was honored to participate in the Naples, FL Honor Flight as an honoree and escort to a fellow veteran.

Ral was an active member of the Nomads of Michigan travel organization for many years, seeing the world and sharing wonderful stories and memories. He forged dear friendships with his travel companions, automotive clients, co-workers, and hunting buddies. He was thankful to participate in so many global excursions, customer ride-trips, and deer camp outings. His social calendar was often full from events with Naples FL community organizations, neighbors and visiting family and friends.  He loved walking the beaches, meeting people and helping others. Ral will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ral was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his daughter Donna Marie, his dear sister Dolores and her husband Paul Maloney, his Uncles William, Stanislava and Edward Homovec, and his beloved Aunts Mary Peterlin, Olga Maizel, Stella Kernz and Donna Pizmoht. He is survived by his sons, Drew Thomas Homovec (Karen) and Brett Allen Homovec (Sieglinde); his grandchildren, Kyle, Brooke (Erik) Gonzalez, Aric, Chase and Evan; his nieces and nephews, Kathleen Ann Hauser (James), Dr. Brian Paul Maloney (Diane), Paul Thomas Maloney (Julie) and cousins Richard Homovec, Robert Peterlin, Lynn (Kernz) Kelly, James Pizmoht, Sally Cowan and Bonnie Teer (daughters of William) and his beloved sister-in-law, Nora (John) Flood.  

Inurnment with Military Funeral Honors will be held in 2022, date to be determined, at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, Michigan.