Ray James ‘Renato’ Adamini, 85, of Oak Hill Drive, Marquette, passed away peacefully at home in the care of Lake Superior Hospice on Wednesday afternoon, June 7, 2017. He was surrounded by his family, while his beloved wife of 66 years sang hymns.
Ray was born on March 9, 1932 in Negaunee, Michigan to the late James and Lena (Bianchi) Adamini. They, along with his uncles, the Bianchi brothers, instilled the love of music in him.
He attended St. Paul Catholic School in Negaunee and left school at the age of 15 to work at the flooring mill to earn money to buy an accordion. He joined the Hiawatha Ramblers after playing with several local bands and playing music with his uncles. While playing at Kelly’s Slide in Negaunee he met his wife when she got on stage to sing “Quicksilver”. They were married seven months later on October 27, 1950. They traveled throughout the Midwest performing and later spent 7 years as a band at the Miller High Life Spa in Milwaukee, WI. At the same time they performed on a Television and Radio show on station WTMJ in Milwaukee. They later moved to Marquette where they performed at the Venice Supper Club in Ishpeming, had a TV show on the local station WDMJ-TV, and where Ray opened Adamini’s Music Center in Ishpeming. Ray then went on to work for Electrolux starting as a salesman and retiring as the President of Electrolux-Canada in 1986.
They moved to Marquette where he spent his retirement days playing golf and developing Oak Hill Estates and Bishop Woods. He served on many boards in many capacities including Marquette Township Supervisor. He continued his love of music while playing at many local events, local nursing facilities and was a frequent guest on “Finland Calling”. He was a man of deep faith and believed his gift of music was a gift from GOD to be shared. He loved playing for the Mass at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans, and Sunday Mass at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Marquette. He was inducted into the Michigan Polka Hall of Fame in 1999. Ray loved to travel with his wife and family and loved playing music. His favorite thing was spending time with his family who meant so much to him. He was so happy that his family always loved coming home to be with them.
Ray was so full of life and always had a smile on his face. He was kind and always shared life lessons such as the importance of a firm handshake, telling the truth, saving 10% and looking people in the eye (the good eye he always said). He was giving, thoughtful, funny, talented, and loving, and will be missed by so many.
Ray is survived by his wife Jeanneane (Nason), his children Karen Derenne, Mary Geron, Dan (Mary) Adamini, Gina Adamini (Bob Libick), 8 Grandchildren: Melanie (Chris) Wilson, Emily Derenne (Matt Bain), Anton (Trudie) Derenne, Ellen (DJ) Bianchi, Sam (Lana) Derenne, Abbigail (Matt) Johnston, Ashley Geron, Amy Adamini (Dan Dagenais), 9 Great-Grandchildren: Jaeger, Keira, Sofia, Lilly, Charlie, William, Olivia, Leo, and Enzo; Sister, Dolores Maki, special nephew and friend, Stephen Adamini, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; Brothers: Frank (Lois) and Robert (Margaret), Sisters: Mary (Harold) Lessley, Gloria (Val) Beltrame, Irene (Chick) LaParche, Brother-In-Law, Ron Maki and Son-In-Law, David Geron.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 10th at St. Christopher Catholic Church, Marquette with Rev. Fr. Greg Heikkala and Rev. Fr. Brandon Oman officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 10:00 am until the time of Mass at 12:00 noon, and also at a luncheon in the church hall immediately following services. Ray’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Burial will be in the Park Cemetery.
Ray was a very generous and giving person. In lieu of flowers, the best way to honor him would be to give to the charity of your choice, and to keep smiling.

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