Raymond Francis "Frank" Augustyn

Raymond Francis “Frank” Augustyn, age 95 of Sterling Heights, died Monday, March 23, 2020 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born September 19, 1924 in Detroit, son of the late Joseph and the late Anna (nee: Gorczanny) Augustyn.

A strapping and devout young man who had been watching, hearing and reading about the ensuing involvement of America in the throes of war, Raymond was a mere 18 years old and just out of high school when he marched down to the recruiters office and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. As a sailor who chose to lay his life on the line for freedom’s sake, Raymond served from August 2, 1943 until receiving his honorable discharge on April 1, 1946. Ultimately attaining the rank of Aviation Radioman 2nd Class (ARM2c), he played an integral part in the communications aboard ship for the pilots and flight crews in the operation of their missions. One of our heroes who shared in the victory of World War II, Raymond answered the call of his heart when he stepped up to represent our country with a surge of patriotism purging through his blood, and the willingness to stand amidst his fellow patriots with esteemed bravery and valiance. So it is, with thanks and praise from a grateful nation, that we pay homage to Raymond for his service to our country and honor him with our posthumous gratitude for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy,…because he was there. Truly one of our heroes from the country’s “Greatest Generation.”

Following Raymond’s military discharge, this 22 year old lad decided to pursue a new dream and career path when he answered another call of his heart,…this time to become a firefighter. Just as he wore the uniform of a sailor to preserve and protect America’s future,…Raymond donned the suit of a firefighter to preserve and protect his local community from harm. After 30 years of dedicated service to the City of Detroit, Raymond was 63 years of age when he finally accepted his well-deserved retirement and began a new chapter in life as a Golden Warrior.

Yet amidst that distinguished career, Raymond’s life experienced a wonderful gift when the beautiful Miss Wanda Marie Osimowicz happened along and set him on the loving path of romance. Courting turned to friendship, and that friendship melded into love, and soon the two lovebirds were exchanging their wedding vows in the eyes of family and friends alike. It was January 21, 1950, at the Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Detroit, that the two became one and began their lives together as husband & wife. Ultimately welcoming five beautiful children into their world, Raymond and Wanda built upon the comforts of home & hearth, and grew deeper in love with each passing day.

In his youth, Raymond was quite athletic, enjoying such sports and activities as baseball, swimming and ice skating. And not merely engaged in the venues, he could also be quite competitive as well. As he got older, the sporting choices changed a bit to include the ever-popular games of bowling and golf. Baseball was still a huge favorite of Raymond’s, but actually participating in the sport morphed into the calmer sense of watching it being played,…especially when it involved his favorite Boys of Summer, the Detroit Tigers. A devout fan of the boys in their Old English “D,” they provided Raymond countless hours of baseball pleasures,…and a couple of pennants and championships along the way.

Raymond was also known for his love of the outdoors and the simple pleasure of soaking up the sun and fresh air. One of the ways this played out perfectly was in the many walks he made to grab a little breakfast at the restaurants on the corners of 15 Mile & Schoenherr. Enjoying a bite to eat to start the day…getting a little exercise on the front and back ends…and being in the outdoors in the process was always a plan he loved to carry out.

Raymond loved to travel as well, and held many great memories of the family trips shared up north. The “Mitten” holds many wonderful highlights, and Raymond sought to provide his family with a host of moments they’ll cherish forever. Raymond was also quite fond of cruising the ocean blue, and booked many-a-trip aboard the various cruise lines that transported him to places of absolute beauty and pleasure. Other traveling highlights included the grandeur of Alaska, and the tropical splendor of the Hawaiian Islands. A globetrotter for sure,…Raymond’s travel portfolio was a thing to behold, and his memories were rife with the majesty of all he had seen.

He also loved playing cards, and dabbling a bit amidst the world of gambling. Nothing intense,…just a little Black Jack in his younger years, and giving those One-Armed Bandits a run for their money as he got older. Either way, he was a winner simply by enjoying the recreational pastime. If he won in the process,…well, that was simply a bonus! But whether it was playing cards or sitting in on a game of Black Jack, Raymond was always (somewhat) ahead of the game,…you see, he was a “card counter” and managed to turn the meaning of competitive upside-down. It may not have always paid out, but watching him work was a sight to behold.

Raymond was also an avid reader and loved when he was able to find a little quiet time to simply sit with a good book and get lost in its pages. He was especially fond of the genres, mystery and suspense. From one page to the next, Raymond loved playing the sleuth as he stretched his mind and intellect in figuring out “who did it?” His reading pleasures were well fed, right up until his age ushered in a bit of blindness that forced him to exchange actual reading for listening to his coveted audio books.

Renowned for being a caring and compassionate man, Raymond was also infused with a giving spirit that sought to help whoever and wherever he could. He loved talking to people and engaging his fellow man in a bit of friendly banter. He had a gift for reaching out and touching others, and giving life to the scripture that reads, “consider others more important than yourself.”

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Raymond leaves behind a legacy of love for all to embrace with each reflection shared,…especially his precious grandchildren & “grand-dogs.” Noted for being one of 3 brothers who married 3 sisters, the conversations on Thanksgiving Day must have been a Hoot! And that brings us to another of Raymond’s wonderful traits,…his unique and engaging sense of humor. If you’re enjoying life, you’re probably doing a lot of laughing, and Raymond truly enjoyed bringing a bit of levity to the moment. And not merely laughter,…but its wonderful cousin, kindness as well. He touched a multitude of hearts and lives along the way and leaves a storehouse of amazing memories for all who were blessed to know him. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.              

Raymond was the beloved husband of Wanda. Dear father of Jeannette Augustyn, Elizabeth (David) Dowe, Richard (Cecelia) Augustyn, Margaret (Mark) Suchta, and the late Marie (the late Dennis) Czerny. Loving grandfather of Daniel Czerny, David Czerny, Lindsey Suchta, and Jessica Suchta. Brother of Norbert (Shirley) Augustyn, and preceded in death by siblings; Helen, Cecelia, Maryann, Edward, Joseph, and Walter.

Due to Coronavirus concerns and the Governor’s mandate for social distancing, the family’s consideration for future services is yet to be determined. Please check back for updates as they come.

Memorial donations are welcomed to the Fr. Solanus Casey Center, 1780 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207…or to www.solanuscenter.org   

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren.

Please share memories of Raymond at his guest book below.