Raymond Samoray (age 66)
September 9, 1956 – November 20, 2022
Raymond (Ray) Samoray was born September 9, 1956, to the late Raymond F and Clara (Romanowski) Samoray in Hamtramck, MI and left this world on November 20, 2022, at 66-years old.
Ray is survived by his sons: Andrew (wife-Tierney) and Dennis Samoray, brother Tom (wife-Barb) Samoray and sister Judy (husband-Dave) Hudson. Also, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and as he once declared to her “you’re my best friend whether you like it or not”, Cindy, his ex-wife and best friend.
After graduating from St. Ladislaus in 1974, Ray set out to live and experience life through a variety of jobs that took him to beautiful southern California for a few years, before moving to Ann Arbor, MI. There, he worked for many years at First Presbyterian Church as their beloved sexton and maintenance man and was where he met Cindy on a blind date. Ray was a funny, personable guy who met and interacted with people from all walks of life, making lifelong friends during those years. He returned to Hamtramck in 1999 and lived his final eight-years in downtown Detroit.
He appreciated all sorts of music and music makers: David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra and Lou Reed, just to name a few. When he was healthier, he loved to play intramural baseball and basketball. Ray had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed camping, cooking (he was a great cook) dancing, traveling and he loved his sons.
Eight years ago, at one of many critical points in his life, Ray was blessed by help his cousin John provided with the move to Washington Blvd in Detroit. Despite the many challenging circumstances Ray created and experienced, he was fortunate to have a place to call home and compassionate family who cared.
Sadly, anxiety and depression masked for decades by self-medicating, and addiction led to unfortunate outcomes in life that Ray deeply regretted. While living in Detroit, he found solace and friendship at St. Aloysius, conveniently located just down the block from his home.
If it were possible, Ray would encourage anyone to learn from his experience and for all who are struggling in life, to seek not only spiritual guidance, but real-world assistance and solutions for whatever troubles them.
While Ray wasn’t a direct recipient of programs provided by The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) the services they offer are important and lifesaving for many. To all reading this last chapter in Ray’s story, please consider a contribution in Ray’s memory to DRMM or any similar organization in your area.
Memorial Mass
Saturday, February 18, 2023 11 AM
Saint Aloysius Catholic Church (map)
1234 Washington Blvd
Detroit, MI 48226
I was saddened to learn of my dear friend Ray’s passing. We go way back to our little league baseball days in Hamtramck in the early 1970s. I have fond memories of the times we spent together, like the day Ray hit his first home run and got to enjoy some rare bragging rights. We had fun cruising around in his big Cadillac convertible, going on our first clumsy hunting trip, and listening to albums at his friend’s house – that’s where I first heard Pink Floyd, Bowie, and Zeppelin.
Ray had a talent for fitting in wherever he went. He won over my mom immediately by perfectly pronouncing “brother-in-law” in Polish. We shared simple pleasures like grilled cheese sandwiches at his place. He was always respectful and good-natured even when being a wisecracker. I’ll remember Ray for his easygoing way and our times of youthful adventure. Rest in peace, old friend. I hope we meet again someday.