Raymond Sevett

Raymond Sevett, 98, of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, just weeks shy of his 99th birthday.

He was born Raymond Svetsinsky on February 14, 1927, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Abraham and Etia "Betty" Svetsinsky. He legally changed his name to Raymond Sevett in 1948, the name by which he was known throughout his adult life and career.

Ray graduated from Soldan High School in St. Louis in 1944. He went on to earn degrees in Electrical Engineering from Saint Louis University and Washington University in St. Louis. In 1945, he joined the United States Army and served his country following World War II.

On March 29, 1950, he married the love of his life, Rosemary Schaeffer. Their marriage was marked by deep devotion, partnership, and a shared commitment to family and community.

Ray spent his professional career as an Electrical Engineer with Emerson Electric in Florissant, Missouri, where he was respected for his intelligence, precision, and steady dedication to his work. Beyond his profession, he was deeply involved in Jewish communal life. He was a co-founder of Congregation Kol Am in St. Louis and served as its president from 1978 to 1980, helping guide and strengthen the congregation during its formative years.

Family was always at the center of Ray's life. He was a loving husband and an exceptional father who consistently put his family first. He was known as a smart, kind, and caring man whose quiet strength and dependability shaped the lives around him. He documented family life with care and enthusiasm, capturing hundreds of 35mm slides that preserved decades of memories for future generations.

He is survived by his children Barry (Julia), Paul (Emily), and Corey (partner Amy); his grandchildren Dylan (partner Ashley), Alexandra (Devin), Annice (partner Ryan), Samuel (Shayna), Noah, Russell, and Ryan (Rebecca); and his great-grandchildren Alana, Vera, Eleanora, Leon, and Daisy.

His legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the community he helped build.

Funeral service 10:00 AM on Monday, February 2nd at Mount Zion Temple, 1300 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Shiva 7:00 PM on Monday at Sholom Home East, 740 Kay Ave., St. Paul. Funeral service will be livestreamed through Mount Zion's website (link below).