On Monday, July 27, 2026, Raymond M. Craft, 32, of Center Valley, Pennsylvania passed away unexpectedly. People often measure their lives by the miles traveled, places seen, and people they met. Ray's life invites us to measure by the strength of his character, the depth of his relationships, and the joy he brought to those fortunate enough to know him.

Ray was born on January 27, 1994, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Bruce and Fran (Riotto) Craft. As an only child, he found both his passion and his people early in life. He attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School, where he first met Adam and Brett Crettella and their brother Lee, whose memory remained dear to him, beginning friendships that would remain an important part of his life for the decades to come. It was also during these early years that Ray discovered his passion for music. At Notre Dame High School, music became more than an interest, it became a calling. There he also formed lasting friendships with, Collin Fioriglio, and Gabe Colon. Together, they shared with Ray the kind of enduring bond that never needed constant attention to remain strong. Their friendship was built on loyalty, laughter, and the quiet understanding that some people simply become family.

Ray carried his love of music to Moravian College, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Guitar Performance. More importantly, it was there that music led him to the greatest blessing of his life, meeting Cara Montagnese. What began as co-students in the music program, where they were paired in the same jazz trio, grew into a partnership rooted in love, friendship, and a shared vision for the future.

Cara and Ray were married on July 17, 2021, at Folino's Estate in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Ray and Cara began building a life together, purchasing a home in Center Valley and beginning their careers. Ray worked for his family's third generation business with his mother and father. Ray quickly proved his business acumen and grew the business with his family over many prosperous years, looking forward to taking over the business someday. Ray enjoyed his profession immensely and was proud of the skills he developed not only as a business manager, but as a leader who was well liked and respected by their employees.

Although Ray was happy with the life they built, nothing made him prouder than when he became a father. On March 9, 2024, Cara and Ray welcomed their son Anthony Raymond Craft into the world. Anthony became a shining beacon of joy in the Craft household and Ray quickly grew into a dedicated and doting father who loved Anthony fiercely. Ray valued his family above everything, rearranging his schedule and working many nights and weekends, so that he could prioritize time with Anthony in the years that mattered most.

Ray wasn't someone who needed to see every corner of the world, or have a vast network of friends and acquaintances. Instead, Ray focused on finding meaning in the familiar places, and bringing joy, laughter, and comfort to those who were fortunate enough to be in his circle.

Ray enjoyed many visits to the family vacation house at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, a place that was especially meaningful to his family. There, life seemed to slow down, and days were spent boating, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors, but most importantly, simply being together. Deep Creek provided the backdrop for countless family memories, ordinary moments that with Ray, never felt ordinary.

Ray was never the loudest voice in the room, but when he spoke, people listened, knowing he was likely to leave them in stitches with laughter. Ray's quiet reserve and quick wit endeared him to so many people so quickly, and he always found a way to make an impression on people even in the shortest of interactions.

Ray leaves behind so many that will miss him and will never be able to fill the void that is left without his love and friendship. Ray reminds us that a meaningful life is not measured in countries visited, people who knew your name, or how loudly you announce yourself to the world. It is measure in the people who can't imagine life without you. He will be missed greatly but will be treasured and his memory kept alive by those he knew and loved.

SURVIVORS: Ray is survived by his wife, Cara E. (Montagnese) Craft, his son, Anthony Raymond Craft, his parents Robert (Bruce) and Frances (Riotto) Craft, his parents-in-law, Anthony and Elizabeth (Kane) Montagnese, his siblings-in-law Dominic and Chelsea (Kogelschatz) Montagnese, nieces Rachel and Amy Montagnese, siblings-in-law Nicholas and Anna (Montagnese) Gallahan, and niece Grace Gallahan. Ray was preceded in death by his grandparents Raymond and Rosemarie Craft and Michael and Joy Riotto, and his uncle Michael Riotto.

SERVICES: Those wishing to remember, honor and celebrate Ray are invited to attend a Visitation and Celebration of Life, which will be held on Friday August 28, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with sharing of memories and eulogies at 5:00 pm at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 3219 Santee Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020, which will be a time of solemn prayer and reflection for family, close friends, and those whose lives were deeply touched by him. Internment at Holy Saviour Cemetery will immediately follow the Mass- the family respectfully requests that this be restricted to immediate family only. Ray's services have been entrusted to Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.