David Roger Filar

FILAR, DAVID ROGER, age 82 passed away Sunday evening, January 4th in Henderson, NV, with his loving wife and two daughters by his side. Born on November 2, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, Dave was the son of Andrew and Sabina (Siracki) Filar. He was the beloved husband of Paula Filar, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Dave was the devoted father of Michelle (Doug) Turk and Mary Filar, and a proud grandfather to Ryan, Nathan, Graham, and Vivienne Turk. Hailing from a large family, Dave was a cherished brother to the late Dolores, Ed, Bob, the late Stan, Chuck, the late Tom, Jerry, Ron, Dan, John, Joanne, and Mary Ann. He was also a loving presence to his many in-laws, nieces, and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart. In his formative years, Dave attended St. Thomas Catholic School, where he developed friendships that he treasured the whole of his lifetime. He enlisted and served in the National Guard of the U.S. Army and served through his honorable discharge until 1971. He married the love of his life, Paula Calvaruso on September 29, 1967 in Detroit surrounded by both families and many friends. Dave began his career as a Master Electrician and incorporated his own business as Filar Electric in 1970. He is responsible for many commercial developments and restaurants in the Metro Detroit Area, with the most notable, the lighting at the top of the historical Michigan Consolidated Gas Building. David’s greatest pride was his home and family. He devoted himself to meticulously maintaining his four-acre property in Shelby Township – home to more than 175 trees – where he and Paula lived for 51 years and raised their beloved girls. Not everyone in Shelby knew Dave, but they knew his beautiful estate. After selling the beloved property on 24 Mile Road, Dave took great joy in building his and Paula’s dream home in Rochester and wintering at their house in Las Vegas, NV. A man who embraced life fully, Dave’s many hobbies were plentiful. He loved snow skiing, boating and the traditional crafts of making Italian wine and sausage. He was a devoted Notre Dame football fan and could often be found watching past broadcasts when a live game wasn’t scheduled. Dave also cherished his frequent trips to California, visiting his daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren over the span of the last 28 years. Dave was a friend to so many, a mentor to the young, and all who knew him loved his stories. He had a true gift for making friends. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle, and family meant everything to him. Dave enjoyed life to the fullest, always ready with a smile, and his memory will bring comfort to the many who knew and loved him dearly. Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 3:00-8:30pm, with 7:00pm Scripture Service and 7:15pm Sharing of Memories at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. (SHELBY TOWNSHIP). Funeral Friday, January 23, 2026 Instate 10:30am at St. Andrew Church 1400 Inglewood (E of Rochester Rd. & N. of Parkdale) until time of Mass at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to either the Notre Dame Knute Rockne Football David Filar Memorial Fund (http://giving.nd.edu/FilarMemorial), or toward a memorial bench to be dedicated in his name at Heritage Gardens, located on the grounds of the Shelby Township Municipal Center, overlooking the lake.

David Roger Filar

November 2, 1943 - January 4, 2026