Raymond Lewis Bleiweis

March 25, 1924 - February 23, 2015 Raymond Lewis Bleiweis of Encino, CA passed away peacefully on February 23 in Los Angeles. Beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend was a World War II vet, an entrepreneur, businessman, and inventor. Born in the Bronx in 1924, "Rocket Ray", as he was known from his business Rocket Industries, moved to Los Angeles to follow his cherished Dodgers and was an avid fan and longtime season ticket holder. A founder of the automotive aftermarket and the association, SEMA, his custom wheel invention of the chrome reverse began a trend that is still strong and robust in the industry he made his lifetime endeavor. He loved to play golf and sail but most of all he adored his family and the every second with them as he traveled the world on annual vacations even up to last year. Always ready for new life experiences and watching his children and grandchildren play baseball and perform ballet brought endless smiles and warm hugs that he would seldom relinquish without a hardy wiggle from them. His stories became his legacy that brought tears of happiness and joy to all around him and shaped each and every life in his path and will continue to do so. He leaves behind his most precious wife Claire and children: Mark (and wife Stacy), Brad, and Laurie; grandchildren Jason, Alexander, Austin, Justin, and Alanna. He took our breath away with his kindness and love that we carry in our hearts forever. We miss you so, so much. A memorial service will be held at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Los Angeles on February 27 at 2 PM. Friends who wish to honor Ray may contribute to the City of Hope in California in his name.