Raymond Dominic Ceretti

Raymond Dominic Ceretti passed away on December 8, 2023. A celebration of life will held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Simplify Cremations and Funerals, 4821 SW 9th Street in Des Moines.

Ray was born June 27, 1950 the son of Raymond A. and Mary (Nizzi) Ceretti. Ray's work career started when he was very young at Nizzi Grocery, then moving on to Nizzi Garage. Uncle Sam called Ray in 1971 and he served with the U.S. Army for two years, the last year in Vietnam. After his Army hitch, he worked at Armstrong Tire and then Firestone Tire for 32 years.

Ray is survived by twin sons, Bobby and Brad; longtime companion, Rhonda; two brothers, Dominic (Yvonne) and Donald (Janet) Ceretti; several nieces and nephews and many cousins from the Ceretti, Nizzi, Stefani and Bianchi families. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first born son, Lonnie.

Ray had a passion for cars and enjoyed driving them to their limits. When not driving, he enjoyed watching NHRA drag racing religiously. He loved Rock and Roll music of the 50s and 60s. A highlight was VIP backstage passes to a Rolling Stones concert.

Ray was a talented machinist, metal fabricator and auto body tech. He used these skills to help build many street rods. Ray leaves behind a large group of friends from work and the South side. Remember Ray the next time you see a Corvette Stingray. An American Classic, just as he was.