Ray D. Eisbrenner, 93, was the epitome of a gentleman. He lived a full, happy, faith-filled life as a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loyal friend to everyone he met.

Ray is survived by Noreen, his high school sweetheart, best friend, and caring wife of 72 years; and their biggest fans, their children: Lauren (John Trentacosta); Joanne (Bob Reuter); Ray; Lisa (Terry) Litinas; Bob (Kristin); and Tom (Holly). He was adored by his grandchildren, Jessica, Lynn, Krisanne, Michael, Joanna, Ray, Kathleen, Michelle, K.C., Mary, and Adison, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Ray was predeceased by daughter Lynn; daughter-in-law Kathleen; and parents Ray and Allene. He was the big brother to seven siblings, and the eldest of 108 first cousins.

Ray grew up in Roseville, Michigan, hitch-hiking 8 miles every day to attend De La Salle Collegiate, which he continued to support long after graduating in 1949. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corp. during the Korean War, where flat feet kept him from his goal of being a pilot, but he studied hard to earn a position in the air control tower. Soon after his service, he earned an engineering degree from the University of Colorado.

For more than three decades, he was founder and CEO of Eisbrenner Public Relations, a leading automotive PR agency that he proudly built through integrity, honesty, humility, hard work, and natural talent. He was committed to treating his team like family, and every client and journalist like a dear friend. His career included many awards and accolades, including induction into the Public Relations Society of America Hall of Fame, but he considered his greatest reward to be the countless personal relationships that were built along the way, which he treasured and maintained for the remainder of his days.

Ray’s optimism, smile and warmth were infectious. His desire to make you feel like the most important person in the world was genuine. He treated everyone with dignity, respect and class.

And his hugs were legendary.

Ray was an avid gin-rummy player, golfer, and bowler, with the DAC Tuesday 5:30 bowling league being a highlight of his week for more than 50 years.

His favorite place to be was next to his wife Noreen. For 72 years, they were the consummate model of true love, never running out of conversation or laughter, or the desire to break out in dance together.

His next favorite place was the cottage they built more than 50 years ago on Black Lake, where he would spend hours ‘putzing’ in his garage, learning new wood-working techniques, napping on the back of their pontoon boat, sitting with Noreen on the end of the dock, and taking his daily two-mile kayak rides that signaled to the beach that cocktail hour was approaching.

Ray was forever the consummate host with a natural ability to make all feel welcome. He was known for his clever wit, joy, innate ability to sincerely listen, and generous pours…as you stumble out of his home after what you’d swear was just one glass of wine.

Above all, nothing made him more proud than his marriage with Noreen, and his admiring family, who is committed to trying to live up to his incredible legacy. Fortunately, they had a truly special role model who will be sorely missed but will live on through bountiful memories.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, from noon – 6:00 PM, with scripture service at 5:00 PM, at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home (32515 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48073). Funeral Mass Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 11:00 AM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 4580 N Adams Rd, Troy, MI 48098, with instate beginning at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or De La Salle Collegiate.