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Karen Drew and family (Facebook photo)
Popular WDIV anchor and investigative reporter Karen Drew posted on Facebook that she and her two daughters have been coping with the heartbreak of her ex-husband, Paul Gorcyca’s, death. He passed away on Sept. 15 at age 61.
"We are in a fog," she wrote on Facebook on Saturday. "We buried my children's father last week. Paul was loved by so many. His big smile and even bigger heart impacted and changed lives. He turned friends into family, helped coworkers grow, and loved BIG."
"His number one joy was his daughters... and as you can imagine, we are heartbroken. As we take on this next chapter, excuse us as we are scattered and a bit lost. As we hold tight to each other, let this be a reminder to all to love BIG."
The couple divorced in 2023, according to court records.
His obituary, posted on the A.J. Desmond & Sons funeral home website, described Gorcyca as "a gentle man with endless kindness and radiating humor. His fabulous smile lit up the room."
Paul Gorcyca (Funeral home photo)
He attended St. Regis Catholic School in Bloomfield Hills and then Brother Rice High School, where he played baseball and basketball, according to the obit. He later coached 7th and 8th graders at St. Regis.
He attended Michigan State University, graduating from the business school with a degree in Materials and Logistics Management. He went on to take a job in purchasing for Honda of America and later Ford Motor Company. He eventually became vice president of sales and marketing for Venture Industries (formerly Collins & Aikman).
From there, Gorcyca—a diehard Michigan State sports fan—went to Plastech as president of the South Business Unit and vice president of sales and marketing.
"Paul’s passion for sports made it easy to move his automotive career over to Piston Group, where he was the Director of New Business Development," the obituary said.
"There are many lives that Paul touched. He often helped others with no acclaim or fanfare," it continued. "He was generous and humble, a trait that is a great example for all. Paul leaves behind many adoring family and friends, too countless to name."
"Paul loved family, most importantly his girls and sharing his traditions and passions with them," the obit said.
