Raymond Daniels

Raymond J. Daniels, age 97, died on January 16, 2026. Ray was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 19th, 1928 to Raymond and Marie (Cogan) Daniels. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Therese (Rivard) Daniels. He is survived by his children Mike (Charlene) Daniels of Warren, MI, Dave (Dee) Daniels of Morrow, OH, Jim (Kristin Kovacic) Daniels of Pittsburgh, PA, Tim (Barbara) Daniels of Berkeley, CA, and Kathleen (Dan) Goussy of Troy, MI, his grandchildren Matt (Stacey) Daniels, Jon (Mae) Daniels, Lindsay (Brian) Machiniak, Abbey (Chris) Madden, Mike Daniels, Ramsey Daniels, Rosalie Daniels, Patrick (Cristina Mezuk) Goussy and Therese (Justin) Licker, and his great-grandchildren: Ben, Ava, Sophia, Lola, Oliver and Isaac Daniels. Raymond graduated from the University of Detroit in 1951. Soon after graduation, he joined the Army, where he proudly served, ending up with a post back in the Detroit area, though his soon-to-be wife, Mary Therese, was interested in seeing the world. They were married on May 28th, 1952, and their marriage lasted 66 years until Mary Therese’s death in 2019. After his enlistment was up, he joined Ford Motor Company, where he worked until he was offered an early retirement in 1986. Once retired, he was able to pursue his true passion – sports. For many years it was softball in the summer, and bowling and volleyball in the winter. He played softball until age 85. For many years, he volunteered doing taxes for the elderly through AARP. He was a man of his era. The concepts of religion, duty, honor, self-reliance and thrift were core to his makeup. He was a longtime member of the St. Marks Usher’s Club and supported many Catholic charities. He enjoyed driving the requisite station wagon to carry his family on camping trips every year. He loved his wife Mary Therese, and his children. He wasn’t an overly strict father. Maybe ‘serious’ best describes him. He showed his love by working hard to ensure his children would have a good education and get established in the world. He appreciated a “firm handshake”, which he made sure his sons, grandsons, and great grandsons, knew how to return. Visitation will be on Tuesday Jan 20 between 3 and 8 pm at the E.J. Mandziuk and Sons Funeral home at 3801 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday Jan 21 at 10:00 a.m. (viewing at 9:30) at Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 38750 Ryan Rd, Sterling Heights, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Archdiocese of Detroit Endowment Fund.

Raymond Daniels

July 19, 1928 - January 16, 2026