The sudden death of Karen Drew’s ex-husband, Paul Gorcyca, has left his loved ones, friends, and community in grief.
Known affectionately as “Goose,” Paul passed away on September 15, 2025, at the age of 61.
His passing was confirmed in a heartfelt obituary and later shared by his former wife, WDIV anchor Karen Drew, who honored his memory with touching words and photographs.
On October 1, 2025, Karen Drew revealed on Instagram that she and her daughters had laid Paul to rest in late September.
She shared a black-and-white photo of herself holding one of her daughters at the memorial service, describing the experience as being “in a fog.”
“We buried my children’s father,” Karen wrote. “Paul loved his girls with all his heart and soul.”
She added that she would be stepping away from several broadcasts to grieve and to support their daughters during this painful period.
Karen credited Paul with giving her “the best gifts of my life … my daughters,” and remembered his guiding words: “Do what is right.”
Paul was born on December 25, 1963, and grew up surrounded by a close-knit family.
He was preceded in death by his father, S. Gerald Gorcyca, but is survived by his mother, Mary Jo Gorcyca; his siblings Debbie Crawford, David Gorcyca, and Lynn Trout; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who knew him as the fun and loving “Uncle Goose.”
Above all, Paul took immense pride in being a father to his daughters, Madison and Morgan, whom he shared with Karen Drew.
He embraced being a “girl dad” and found joy in watching them play sports, sharing family traditions, and celebrating life’s milestones together.
Paul was a graduate of Michigan State University, where his love for the Spartans took root.
After earning his degree in Materials and Logistics Management, he began a distinguished career in the automotive industry.
He held leadership roles at Honda of America, Ford Motor Company, Venture Industries, Plastech, and later the Piston Group, where he served as Director of New Business Development.
Despite his professional success, Paul’s passion for family, sports, and friendship remained at the center of his life.
He carried his MSU pride everywhere he went, tailgating with family, chanting “Go Green, Go White,” and spreading his enthusiasm to all who joined him.
Paul’s vibrant personality left a lasting impact on everyone he met.
His smile, humor, and warmth made him the life of gatherings, whether it was the family’s annual Polish sausage-making parties, Christmas Eve celebrations, or untraditional holidays like Tigers’ Opening Day and St. Patrick’s Day, where he was known for breaking into spontaneous Irish jigs.
His friends and family remembered him as a man of generosity and humility, someone who quietly helped others without seeking recognition.
Family and friends gathered to honor Paul’s life during visitation services on September 23, 2025, at A.J. Desmond & Sons in Royal Oak.
A Funeral Mass followed on September 24 at St. Regis Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills.
His loved ones requested that memorial tributes be made to Brother Rice High School or Marian High School.
As the community reflects on Paul’s passing, one phrase continues to echo among those who knew him: “Go Green!” His legacy of kindness, loyalty, and love will remain deeply cherished by his daughters, family, and countless friends whose lives he touched.
