Ray died peacefully surrounded by his family on April 5, 2021 at the age of 69. He was born on August 15, 1951 to Raymond and Marguerite (Brown) Stern. He met the love of his life, Carol (Daly) in the 5th grade at St. Martin of Tours. They married in 1971 and started their family. His greatest achievements were being a father to Heather Marie, Jason McCartney and Carly Helene and grandfather to his beloved grandchildren, Quinne Reamonn, Siobhan Grace and Stanley Robert “Bobby”.
Proud graduate of Cardinal Dougherty class of ‘69 and former Philadelphia Police Officer, Ray spent his life giving all of his love and everything he had to his family. He is predeceased by his mother, the lovely Marguerite “Rickey”, father Raymond Stern and step-father and best friend Thomas Hickey Sr., brother-in-law James Burke, his nieces Dorothy (Burke) Kozak and Marguerite (Burke) Miller, and his cousins John and Joe Swaim.
He is survived by his 5 brothers and sisters, Judy Burke, Meg (Jack) Gallagher, Bill (Melissa) Hickey, Elizabeth (Jerry) McLaughlin and Tom (Maggie) Hickey, his nieces, nephews, cousins and by the loving families of The Burkes, The Gallaghers, The Hickeys, The McLaughlins, The Browns, The Hermans, The Swaims, The Dalys and The Schmals.
Ray was a legend in his own time and he took all the secrets with him. He lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services will be private and communicated at a later date.
“Let me bid you farewell. Time will abide. Love will abide. Cry till I was dry. Find the truth. Ask questions. Believe. Listen never surrender. Read. Listen to the radio. Keep in touch. Find the way. Join hands. Family. Extended Family. Stand tall. Don’t give up. Ask for help and love. Pray the Hail Mary. Have faith. Never surrender. Don’t get caught up in your fears. Grow your hair long. Remember the Beatles.” – Ray
To record a brief video or voice only tribute, condolence or cherished memory to be shared privately with the family, please click this link: Send Hugs for Raymond D. Stern
