Ishpeming – Raymond (Ray) F. Marietti, age 88, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti where he had resided for the past year.

Ray was born in Ishpeming on December 1 ^st , 1934, the son of the late John J. and Ruth (Dompierre) Marietti. He married Ruth E. Heilala in October 1958.

Ray had the gift of gab which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. No one remained a stranger for long. Over the past few days, the Jacobetti staff have shared how much they enjoyed his stories.

He was always there to lend a helping hand with any project a family member, friend, or neighbor had.  Remodeling a house, taking them to doctor's appointments, building a house, checking to make sure his brothers or sisters were okay, teaching people how to work on cars, etc.  Keeping busy was just his way!

Ray is survived by one son: Jim Marietti of Negaunee, MI, two daughters: Kathy (Dwayne) Palme of Chippewa Falls, WI,  Amy Marietti (Len King) of Ishpeming, MI, grandchildren, Richard Shaffer, Joshua Shaffer, Joshua (Haylee) Argall, Savannah Marietti, Jason Carilli, Lauren Carilli, and Erin Carilli, great-grandchildren, Zelda Carilli and Chase Argall, three brothers –  Robert (Cheryl) Marietti of Ishpeming, MI, Richard Marietti of Marquette, MI, and William (Janet) Marietti of Hendersonville, NC, six sisters – Ruth Jean Holmes of Ishpeming, MI, Alice Dellangelo of Negaunee, Dorothy (David) Myers of Benson, AZ, Edith Epper of Mesa, AZ, Florence (Daniel) Cain of Dallas, GA, and Margaret (Joseph) DiStefano of Broomall, PA, brother-in-law, Ensio Ostola, sister-in-law, Betty Heikkinen, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth on July 22, 1968, longtime companion, Gail Wasson, sisters, Judith Epper and Marie Ostola, brothers, John, Gerald, Paul, and David.

Special thanks to John Andriacchi for helping Ray throughout the years, especially during his last year at home.  Also thanks to the D. J. Jacobetti Veterans home for giving Ray a place to call home when he could no longer be on his own.  You made him feel like family and we are eternally grateful.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the Ishpeming Cemetery with Fr. Ryan Ford officiating. A luncheon will follow from 11:00-12:30 at St. Joseph Church fellowship hall and from 12:30-2:00 pm will be a time to share memories.

Ray's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.