BRZEZNIAK, Raymond John – of Burton, MI, age 92, passed away Friday, February 2, 2024. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held 1 PM Monday, February 19, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 404 North Dayton Street, Davison, MI 48423; Rev. Fr. Andrew A. Czajkowski celebrant. Inurnment, with Military Honors, immediately following the Mass in St. John Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 12-1 PM Monday, February 19, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Raymond’s memory.
Raymond was born in Bay City, MI on February 14, 1931, son of the late Stephen and Anna (Kosnik) Brzezniak. His journey through life was marked by dedication, service, and a genuine passion for learning. A proud graduate of Bay City Central High School Class of 1949, he went on to serve his country with honor in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. Raymond continued to pursue knowledge, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging from Michigan State University in 1956. On June 7, 1958, Raymond found love and companionship with Gail Hinkley, and they embarked on a beautiful journey together in Bay City, MI. Raymond’s professional life was characterized by hard work and commitment, culminating in his retirement from General Motors in 1987 after 30.5 years of dedicated service. Raymond was not only a devoted husband, but also an active member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. His faith was a guiding force in his life, shaping his character and influencing his interactions with others. Outside of his professional and spiritual pursuits, Raymond embraced life’s simple pleasures. He had a green thumb and found joy in gardening, and he loved the soothing embrace of swimming. His faithful companion, Alice, a beloved Scottish Terrier, brought immeasurable joy to his days. Family was at the heart of Raymond’s world, and he cherished the moments spent with his grandchildren. His teaching extended beyond the classroom, as he imparted the beauty of the Polish language and a special secret handshake, creating lasting memories for generations to come. Raymond’s sense of adventure took him across the United States and beyond its borders. He had a keen interest in model cars and WWII airplanes, showcasing his appreciation for history and craftsmanship. Bird watching and bird feeding brought him solace and connected him to the natural world he so admired. In remembering Raymond, let us celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and a genuine zest for living. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and the enduring bonds of family and friendship. May he rest in peace, forever remembered and deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gail Brzezniak; 3 children, Mary (Pastor Mark) Neumann, Raymond (Paula) Brzezniak and Ann (Khaled) El-Safty; 7 grandchildren, Robert (Patience) Neumann, Julie (Jason) Blystone, Rachael Brzezniak, Sarah Brzezniak, Omar El-Safty, Yousef El-Safty and Hassan El-Safty; 6 great-grandchildren, Logan Blystone, Tristan Blystone, Bryce Neumann, Alexander Neumann, Cedric Neumann and Seraphina Maryanne Neumann; many other loving family members and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Anna Brzezniak; great-grandson, Drake Neumann; 3 siblings, and Theodora “Dorothy” (John) Nagy, Florian “Floyd” (Priscilla) Brzezniak and Robert (Elizabeth “Betty”) Brzezniak.