Alexander Tarnavsky

Alexander “Alex” Tarnavsky passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, at the age of 81. Alex was born on July 16, 1944, in Vienna, Austria, to Zenon and Marta Tarnavsky during a World War II bombing raid. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to a displaced persons camp in Berchtesgaden, Germany. In 1947, they immigrated to the United States and made their home in Detroit, Michigan. Alex attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and Ridna Shkola in Hamtramck before graduating from the University of Detroit High School in 1962. He continued his education at Wayne State University, where he studied mathematics. Following college, Alex answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. Rising to the rank of Captain, he served both in Korea and later in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While stationed there, he pursued further education at the University of New Mexico, earning a second bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. Alex continued serving in the Air Force Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1980. In 1975, Alex met the love of his life, Adriana Mushynsky. They were married the following year and built a life together grounded in faith, family, and dedication. They welcomed two sons, Orest in 1979 and Paul in 1980, and devoted themselves to raising and supporting their family. Professionally, Alex worked as an engineer for several companies before beginning a long and successful career with Chrysler, where he remained until his retirement. He was respected for his intelligence, analytical mind, and unwavering work ethic. Family was the center of Alex’s life. He took great pride in watching his family grow over the years. He was a devoted father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Adriana; his sons, Orest (Gloria) Tarnavsky and Paul (Maria) Tarnavsky; and his beloved grandchildren, Roman, Christina, Melania, Juliet, Conrad, Christopher, and Emily. Retirement provided Alex with the opportunity to pursue one of his lifelong passions: research and writing. A man of immense curiosity and intellect, he authored three books exploring subjects that fascinated him throughout his life, including baseball, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and Joseph Stalin. Never one to stop learning, Alex was actively working on a fourth book examining the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia at the time of his passing. Alex will be remembered for his remarkable intelligence, love of history, dedication to family, service to his country, and lifelong pursuit of knowledge. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the values he instilled, and the many lives he touched. May his memory be eternal.

Alexander Tarnavsky

July 16, 1944 - June 3, 2026