Obituary of Raymond J. Brunet

Raymond J. Brunet
June 21, 2017

Raymond J. Brunet, of Syracuse, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Wednesday morning. He was surrounded by the love of his family. Ray was born on January 26, 1923, in his family’s cabin in Alberta, Canada.  His family immigrated to the United States during the Great Depression, eventually settling in Syracuse. He was a graduate of North High School. Ray was a veteran of the US Navy, proudly serving in the Pacific during World War II as a Machinist Mate in the VPB 117 Blue Raiders, where he earned many medals, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses and several Air Medals. Following the war, Ray married his sweetheart Virginia and returned to work for the Lipe-Rollway Corp., retiring as Chief Inspector after a long career.   He was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church in Eastwood and was active with The Arc and  L’Arche Syracuse.  He enjoyed traveling to Blue Raider reunions and was a sprightly participant of the Old Farts Club.  Always the life of the party, Ray could often be found entertaining his many admirers with French drinking songs and weaving witty tales.  
He was predeceased by his wife Virginia (Braungart), sons Kenneth and Harold, parents Cleophas and Ida Adams Brunet, and siblings: Alix Howatt, John, Lucien, Juliette Young, Cecile Dumas, Noela Putman, Joseph, and Albert Julien.  
Ray leaves his zest for life to be carried on by his loving family.  He is survived by two daughters Kathleen M. (Jasiu) Szewczyk of Howlett Hill, Janice L. (Robert) Burke of Tully; three sons Kevin P. of Syracuse, Michael C. (Cheryl) of Tully, and Martin L. (Laura) of Fayetteville; twelve grandchildren: Rosie Kelly, Casia Kyle, Jonathan Szewczyk, Melissa, Jesse, Christopher Burke, Lief, Colby, Mallory, Eli, Stephanie, and Julien Brunet; four great-grandchildren, Caleb and Cecelia Kyle, Jackson and Cassidy Szewczyk; his sister-in-law Sr. Mary Harold Braungart; and many nieces and nephews.
Raymond’s family would like to thank the dedicated staff of the Syracuse V.A. and Ray’s devoted caretakers, especially grandson Jesse Ray, KK Shambry, whom we consider part of the family. 
Calling hours are Saturday from 8-10:00 AM at the Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson Funeral Home, 3111 James St, Syracuse. 
The Funeral mass will follow at 10:30 am in Blessed Sacrament Church with burial to follow in Assumption Cemetery.  Contributions may be made to L’Arche Syracuse or to the Sisters of St. Francis.