February 18, 2025

Raymond Norman Faitel Jr.

Dexter, MI

His Legacy… Raymond Norman Faitel Jr., 78, passed away January 21, 2025. He was born on September 27, 1946, in Dearborn, Michigan to Raymond Faitel and Elizabeth (Lebert) Faitel. He was known to close family as Norm and to his many friends as Ray. Ray married the love of his life, Judy Tykoski, on August 10, 1968, in Dexter, Michigan at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Ray proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, performing reconnaissance with the Naval Air Squadron during Vietnam. After the military, he dedicated his life to healing and saving others as a respiratory therapist for over 45 years at both Chelsea Community Hospital and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was beloved by his colleagues and was always ready to step in and help whenever needed. Ray’s dedication to St. Joseph Catholic Church was a fundamental part of who he was. He ran the flea market for the church festival and was a Eucharistic Minister. He was a member of the St. Joseph Dexter Knights of Columbus and worked all the fish fries and chicken broils. He helped maintain the St. Joseph cemetery. Ray treasured his friends and he had many friendships that stretched for decades including elementary school friends. Ray enjoyed antiquing and Polish pottery. He had a large collection of angel statues. Ray’s family were everything to him. He loved being a Papa and giving his grandchildren rides on his tractor and always bringing them their favorite snacks. Ray loved landscaping his 14 acres and would spend long spring and summer days out in the yard. Ray didn’t often travel far but he loved traveling up north to the family’s cabin in Wolverine, trips to Amish country and trips to Chicago to visit friends. Ray was a joy to know and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

His Family… Raymond will be missed by his wife, Judith Faitel; his children, Raymond “Chip” (Rachel) Faitel IV, Andrew James (Sara) Faitel; siblings, Sharon (Don) Mascot, Jim (Kathy) Faitel, Terriann (Tom) Holgate; grandchildren, Kateri Faitel, Clare Faitel, Benjamin Faitel, Emmanuel Faitel, Charles Faitel, Serena Faitel, and Ariana Faitel. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Elizabeth Faitel; brothers, Tommy Faitel and Ronald Faitel; and grandchildren that were too precious for this earth, Gabriel, Cecilia and Josephine.

His Farewell… Raymond’s family and friends will gather Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 6PM-7PM (7PM Rosary), at St. Joseph Catholic Country Church, Dexter, Michigan. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:00AM (10AM gathering), at St. Joseph Catholic Country Church, Dexter, Michigan. Fr. Brendan Walsh will serve as presider. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Parish or St. Louis Center, in Chelsea, Michigan. Please leave a message of comfort for Raymond’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.