Obituary: Raymond J. Sarnowski

Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Raymond J. Sarnowski

Raymond J. Sarnowski, of Joliet, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 26, 1946, in Harvey, Illinois. Raymond was the son of the late Emily (nee Onak) and Raymond Sarnowski. He was a graduate of Bremen High School.

Raymond proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After the war, he became a talented carpenter, Raymond could fix just about anything. He worked as a carpenter before becoming a building official for the Village of Plainfield, where he served for many years before retiring.

Raymond’s greatest joy was his family. He spent many years coaching baseball, softball, and hockey. He loved bass fishing, and cherished the family’s annual trips to Ludington, Florida, and Wisconsin Dells. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and all they accomplished.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Cynthia (Bray) Sarnowski; daughter, Kimberly Sarnowski; son, Scott Sarnowski; grandchildren, Heather (Thomas “TJ”) Nelson, Jessica (Seth) Cronin, Justin (Niki) Johnson, Madison Johnson, Jason Valandingham, Brian (Alexis) Valandingham, and Joseph Sarnowski; great-grandchildren, Harper, Hudson, Gianna, and Callie Jo; his faithful dog, Rosie; sisters, Patricia Eigenfeld, Mary Ann Adler, Arlene Fritsch, and Alice Sarnowski; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew; daughter, Denise Valandingham; parents; and brother, Steve Sarnowski.

Raymond will be remembered for his deep love of family, country, baseball, the outdoors, the people and animals he held dear. His family will forever cherish the memories, stories, and laughter he left behind.

Funeral Services for Raymond J. Sarnowski will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, and the Illinois Patriot Guard. Visitation will be held on Thursday October 1, 2026, at the funeral home chapel from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the family would be greatly appreciated.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

·Visit Fred C. Dames on Facebook​

·Order Flowers​

·Healing Resources