Raymond Henry Brunett Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully, at his home, on January
19, 2025, from diabetes complications. Ray was born on October 14, 1932, in Detroit,
Michigan, son of Raymond and Cecilia Brunett. Ray Jr. was the oldest of fourteen
children and was part of a large Catholic family. He grew up on the eastside of Detroit
directly across the street from the love of his life, Beverly, whom he married on October
18, 1952. Ray and Beverly were happily married for 72 years.
Ray began his career as a plumber and welder. He was quickly recognized for his
intelligence and hard working ethics. At the age of 22, he was taken out of the field and
brought into the office to handle the fire protection division, where his performance
enhanced the future of the company. Ray spent his entire working career (1951-2009)
with John E. Green Company, a family owned mechanical contracting company located
in Highland Park. In the 1960s, Ray was responsible for the integration of computers
into the company process. He was promoted to Vice President in 1974, Executive Vice
President in 1980 and retired in 2009 after working for John E. Green Company for 58
years.
Ray was a perfectionist and a ver y competitive person. This inspired him in his work life,
golf game, hockey, and bowling. Ray got a dozen hole-in-ones as well as bowling a
perfect 300. He loved to play hockey in his earlier years and volunteered his time as a
hockey coach. He coached for a PeeWee team in Southfield and as an assistant coach
for his two hockey playing daughters. He was instrumental in developing the Southfield
Hockey Program for all ages when the Civic Center opened in 1973.
Ray's interests were diverse and included classical music, formula 1 racing, travel,
drawing cartoon characters, chess and card playing. Whatever the topic, Ray would
learn everything about a topic until his curiosity was satisfied. He loved reading
non-fiction such as astronomy and mathematics. Ray traveled extensively with Beverly,
visiting five of the continents. He excelled at Parcheesi and Continental Rummy, playing
both on the last day of his life.
Ray had seven children, 24 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren. He is survived by
his wife of 72+ years, Beverly, his children Marie (Tom), Therese (Allen), Stephen
(Shelley), Karen (Robert), Rosanne (John) and Suzanne. His surviving siblings include
Sr. Rita Brunett, John (Pat), Rose, Jean (Richard), Mary (Ed), Paul (Ann), Ruth, and
Margaret. Ray is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and
numerous nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Cecilia Brunett. Siblings that
have passed include Archbishop Alex Brunett, Mike, Ann, William, Grace along with his
son, Raymond Henry III.
Visitation Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, at the O'Brien-Sullivan Funeral Home
41555 Grand River MI 48375 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Instate Friday, January 24th, 2025, at St. Aiden Catholic Church 17500 Farmington Rd.
Livonia, MI 48152 from 9:00am until the funeral Liturgy at 9:30 am
Luncheon following mass at St. Aiden Msgr. Alex Brunett Activity Center
Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Park 35667 W. Eight Mile Rd.
Livonia, MI 48152
The family appreciates cards and messages. In lieu of flowers, play a card game, go
golfing, hug your children, watch a hockey game, or listen to classical music.
Monetary donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org