Raymond Carl Nuckowski, age 87, of Belleville, Michigan, passed away on September 18, 2026. He was born on December 22, 1938, in Riverside, New Jersey, the son of George and Stella (Bendzyn) Nuckowski.

Ray married Mary Joan Horner on December 19, 1969. Together, they raised three sons and built a family filled with sports, laughter, and countless memories. She preceded him in death.

Ray dedicated 40 years of his working life to Ford Motor Company, serving as a dispatcher at the Ford Parts Depot in Redford, Michigan, and Pennsauken, New Jersey prior to his retirement in 2004. He was a longtime member of the Roman Catholic faith and was also a longtime member of the Detroit “Tip Toppers” club.

Ray had a lifelong love of sports, particularly basketball. As a young Airman stationed in Germany, he played on his unit basketball team. He played full-court basketball well into his early sixties, often alongside players decades younger than himself. His UAW Local 600 team won the PM championship in 1997, 1998, and 1999, when Ray was 61 years old. He also played slow-pitch softball and was a prominent member of the 1987 UAW Local 600 championship team, where he was known as “Jersey Ray.”

Fishing was another one of Ray’s great passions. After retiring from Ford, he enjoyed fishing at his favorite spots throughout the Belleville area, as well as Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, and on trips to Lake Superior in pursuit of “the really big ones.” Ray also enjoyed bowling, playing pool, and playing Texas Hold’em at casinos in Detroit and Ontario. He played for the excitement rather than the money and could laugh off a loss, especially when it came as the result of a “bad beat.”

A devoted sports fan, Ray proudly followed his Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia 76ers, while also cheering for his hometown Detroit Lions and Detroit Pistons. He especially enjoyed watching his sons compete in basketball, baseball and soccer, and was always willing to lend a hand with coaching.

Music was another important part of Ray’s life. He enjoyed old-time rock and roll, the Philadelphia Doo-Wop sound, early Motown hits, and the music of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. He was particular about what he listened to, although he could appreciate some modern music as well.

Ray also loved country dance halls and the energy of a good two-step. Having grown up attending Polish weddings, however, Ray was just as likely to take to the floor and polka. To most people, there was no difference.

Ray is survived by his three sons, Carl Raymond Nuckowski and his wife, Claudia Nuckowski (Jimenez); Michael Thomas Nuckowski and his wife, Melody Ann Nuckowski (Lacy); and Thomas Joseph Nuckowski and his wife, Sarena Nuckowski (Miller); his grandchildren, Kaz Nuckowski and Sophie Claire Nuckowski; and his longtime companion, Margaret “Marcie” Kreyling, whose loyalty and support were a meaningful part of Ray’s life for decades.

He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, their spouses, and their children, including Emil, Brenda, Julie, Georgie, David, Frankie, Christine, and Greg, who will always cherish their memories of “Uncle Ray,” as well as many friends and acquaintances he met through his numerous passions and interests.

In addition to his wife, Mary Joan Nuckowski (Horner), Ray was preceded in death by his identical twin brother, Georgie “Baby George” Nuckowski; his parents, George and Stella Nuckowski; his brother, Leonard Nuckowski; his sister, Clara Schmidt (Nuckowski); brother-in-law, Emil Schmidt; sisters-in-law, Ellen Nuckowski (O’Leary) and Catherine Nuckowski (Shinn).

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. at Stark Funeral Professionals. The service will be officiated by Father Bryan Shackett from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Belleville, Michigan.

In accordance with Ray’s wishes, his remains will be transported to Riverside, New Jersey, where he will be reunited with his identical twin, Georgie. His interment and celebration of life are being planned for spring 2027.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church.