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Raymond Louis DePetro

RAYMOND DePETRO

MARQUETTE, MI – Raymond Louis DePetro, lovingly known as “Grampz”, age 81, of Marquette, entered eternal life Friday evening, October 20, 2017, at his home, in the loving, comforting care of his family.

Born December 14, 1935, in Marquette, a son of Rocco and Corrine (Brunelle) DePetro, Ray was a lifelong Marquette resident. He was a 1954 graduate of Graveraet High School and during his high school years began constructing his home at age 17. In 1958, with the basement completed, Ray entered the US Army, serving during the Vietnam Era. Following his honorable discharge in 1960, Ray returned to Marquette and completed his home. The construction took years because Ray paid for the home as it was built, never having to borrow a penny. On June 26, 1965, Ray married June Adelaide Johns and together they moved into Ray’s home and raised a daughter, Kristine. Ray was employed for many years as a roofer, working for both Bell Roofing and Pellow Roofing, and finally with the Marquette Board of Light and Power in maintenance. Ray retired in 2000.

Ray loved planting fruit trees, taking his grandsons to camp, going to the Dry Dock where he was often seen dancing and giving people rides, enjoyed making his famous spaghetti and meatballs for family and friends, and taking his niece, Gail, to fish fries. Fiercely proud of his Italian heritage, family was all important to Ray and he had a special bond with his daughter. Not only was he her father, but he was protective, supportive, and always available to her. Likewise with the grandchildren. He enjoyed taking them to camp, working at camp, and mentoring the kids on what he had learned in life.

Ray is survived by his daughter, Kristine (Scott) Kopish of Marquette; a step-son, Michael (Judy) Miner of Cedar Grove, WI; grandchildren, Lori (Steve) Oelhafen, Jessica Miner, Jason Miner, Raymond (Brittany Ellis) Belmore, Andrew (Julianna Fladung) Belmore, and Emma Kopish; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Phyllis (Ed) Voet of Marquette; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving are his in-laws, Shirley (Bud) LaBine, Milton (Pat) Johns, and Dorothy Fortin.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife, June; a step-son, David Miner; a sister, Joyce Brugman; brothers, Donald and Robert DePetro; brothers-in-law, John “Jack” Brugman and Paul Johns.

Honoring Ray’s request, no formal service will be held. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Thursday, October 26, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderfuneralhome.com