Raymond Camilleri

Raymond Camilleri, age 69, a 34-year resident of Novi, passed away on September 18, 2023. He was born on January 23, 1954 in Rabat, Malta. His family immigrated to the United States when he was 14 years old. The son of Carmelo Camilleri and Mary Stella (Grixti) Camilleri, Raymond graduated from Holy Redeemer High School. Soon after graduation, Raymond enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Cape Canaveral where he served as a missile and communications operator from 1972- 1976, receiving an honorable discharge as a Sergeant. Upon completing his enlistment, Raymond returned to Michigan, earning first an Associate degree in CAD from Henry Ford Community College, then a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical engineering from Wayne State University. On December 29, 1979, Raymond married the love of his life Susan Burnett, and they enjoyed over 43 years with each other.

Raymond began a career with Ford Motor Company in 1978. A dedicated employee, he started in production as a tool and die apprentice.  He then became a tool and die maker, and finally ended his career at Ford as a CAD engineer. Within days of retiring from Ford, Raymond went to work at Troy Design for about 10 years until he reclaimed retirement.  He was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Northville. Serving in both a finance and maintenance capacity at the church, Raymond was committed to serving God.

Raymond loved traveling. When his daughter was only 18 months old, he took the family on a trip of a lifetime to London and Malta, visiting his childhood home country. His most frequented and favorite place to vacation was Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Here he enjoyed relaxing in the sunshine as well as ziplining and snorkeling adventures. Raymond and his family also enjoyed going to Cancun and Disney World in Florida. Loving the water he would often be found surfing, boating, or waterskiing.

Raymond was an excellent handyman, using his craft to help others. He also used his carpenter skills to upgrade many areas of his home by hand. He was proud of his meticulous yard and spent many hours manicuring his lawn. Throughout the years he loved many animals including his dog Sheeba, whom Raymond built her own doghouse, his cat Precious Baby, and even the rabbit that mysteriously disappeared. He was an incredible husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. His sense of humor, laughter, and unconditional love will be missed by all who knew him.

Raymond is survived by his wife Susan; his mother Stella; his children, Jennifer (Mike Nowak) Camilleri and Andrew Camilleri; his siblings, Marlene (Dan) Fillip, Josephine (Paul) Axiak, Jane Camilleri, and Frank (Doreen) Camilleri; brothers-in-law, Rex (Carron) Burnett, Tim (Melissa) Burnett, and Joe (Lori Ann) Burnett. He was also loved by many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Carmelo and his in-laws Art and Peggy Burnett.

Join us in a celebration of Raymond’s life. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap St. Northville, Michigan. A parade in downtown Northville will cause a street closure on Dunlap between 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 pm. If you plan on arriving during that time, please park at the First Baptist Church located at 217 North Wing, Northville. The walk to the funeral home will be a block long.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., and final respects will take place at 10 a.m., at the First Baptist Church of Northville, 217 N Wing Street, Northville, Michigan. He will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., please arrive at the cemetery by 10:45 a.m..

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Glioblastoma Research Organization .