Raymond Kaczmarski

Raymond Kaczmarski passed away on March 18 at age 84. He was born at home in Detroit to two wonderful parents, Bruno and Helen. He was married to his loving wife, Evelyn (Czarnota) for 30 years prior to her death in 1995. Ray is survived by his sons, Douglas and James (Karla), his grandsons Jonathon (Anna), Daniel, and Michael; Alice Czarnota (widow of brother-in-law, John); niece Jan Czarnota Berlin (Carl); nephews Kris Czarnota and Father Paul Czarnota; great nephew Matt Berlin (Hailey); great niece Katie Berlin Standiford (Julian); great-great nephew Clark Berlin Standiford, other relatives and friends; and his companion Norma Prall. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at the University of Detroit, Ray began a 38-year career with the Detroit Public Schools, serving as a Business Education Supervisor for 30 years. Ray also served as President of the Michigan Business Education Association and was the author of textbooks in business math and finance. Ray was a devoted father and enjoyed the company and humor of his grandsons and would have liked to see what their lives as adults might have been. He was thankful that his in-law family continued to involve him in family activities. He enjoyed the daily visits with his long-time companion, Norma, and sharing a common interest in food, books, movies, and travel. Always willing to lend a hand, Ray served St. Anne parish as a lector and volunteered at the Annual Sausage Fest; he was a soccer coach for his sons; and he judged economics contests for the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). Ray was an avid golfer and was excited about his first hole in one. When asked about his second hole in one, replied “It was no big deal.” He had other diverse interests: writing short stories, reading fiction, singing in the church choir, watching ice hockey, researching family history, watching old movies, reading business publications, trying new recipes, and travelling in the U.S. and Europe. Never bored, he simply ran out of time to do all he wanted to do. In lieu of flowers, Ray asked that memorial contributions be made in his name to a religious or civic organization whose efforts aid the poor in the Detroit area.

Raymond Kaczmarski

January 5, 1939 - March 18, 2023