Raymond Jerome Paluzzi

Raymond Jerome Paluzzi, affectionately known as "Ray", was born on September 17, 1947, in Joliet, Illinois, to his mother, Marie Krupierick, and his father, Eugene Paluzzi. Ray grew up with his wonderful parents and older brother, Ronald.
Ray lived a full life. In his earlier years, he played guitar in a band, worked in a factory in Chicago, and had an avid love of sports cars. He often talked about and showed photos of his blue Stingray Corvette.
All throughout his life, Ray loved to play his various guitars, but he most often played the acoustic at home. Ray loved to play, sing, and listen to rock and praise music. One of his favorite rock bands was the Eagles and some of his favorite worship songs were "Dance like David Danced" and "Our God is an Awesome God".
Ray worked as a Waterfront Structural Draftsman for the majority of his career, often working on port facilities design. He was a steadfast and reliable worker, well-liked by those who knew him.
Ray was a kind man, a devoted father, and a family man. Ray was often seen with a big smile and he loved to make silly jokes and laugh. He was a peaceful, gentle, strong, and loving person who loved to read his Bible, pray, and walk in nature. He especially studied the book of Proverbs, as he found its words to be full of wisdom.
Ray often spent time on home improvement projects, such as planting and landscaping, and building things. He also enjoyed playing chess and board games and was a master of helping with school projects. Ray's work as a draftsman, carried through to his personal life, and he was incredibly thorough and precise in all that he did.
Ray passed away at the age of 74, on May 16, 2022, with family by his side. Raymond Jerome Paluzzi was a special man, who was deeply loved and will be forever missed. He is survived by his daughter, Rachel Austermann, his son-in-law, Kent Austermann, grandson Ashton Austermann; step-granddaughter, who he raised, Lauren Prekop, and her son, Noah Prekop; nephew, Joseph Paluzzi, and his spouse, Elizabeth Paluzzi, along with their children Michael Paluzzi and Amanda Shuman, Amanda's husband, Thomas Shuman, and their daughters, Melanie Shuman and Brooklyn Shuman.