Raymond J.

Stephens

Raymond J. Stephens, 79, of Shavertown, passed away Wednesday, November 4th, 2026 at the Gino Merli Veteran’s Center, Scranton after a long battle with multiple illnesses.

Born on January 23, 1947 in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Raymond F. and Cecelia O’Neill Stephens. He attended Holy Savior and St. Mary’s schools in Wilkes-Barre where he started his foundation as a lifelong student. Ray graduated from King’s College with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, achieved a Master of Science in Social Work and Master of Business Administration from The University of Scranton, and earned a Registered Nurse (RN) license through Luzerne County Community College. He also spent time at Saint Pius Seminary where he met long-time friend, Morgan Becker of Dade City, Florida.

Ray was a veteran of the United States Army where he served two tours in Vietnam as an avionics supervisor in the 162nd Assault Helicopter Company. He was Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) instructor, served in the military police, and closed his military career in the Army Reserves. He always remembered his time in the miliary fondly.

A lover of his Irish culture and music, Ray spent years writing coal mining and other folk music and played bass in the Donegal Weavers Irish band. The band could be seen playing at the Donegal Society’s “Irish Days” and at other St. Patrick’s Day celebrations throughout the region. He also took interest in show dogs, taking immense pride in grooming and showing his own miniature schnauzer to a champion status. Additionally, Ray was a lifelong boy scout, frequently visiting Camp Acahela in Blakeslee and serving as an assistant scout leader of Troop 93 alongside his childhood best friend of over 70 years, Jerry Lupien of Rochester, NY.

Ray spent over 30 years in claims adjudication and retired as a supervisor from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Disability Determination.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Waldemar Lugauer.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, the former Barbara Fritzen; daughter Kerri McKeown and husband Mark of Dallas, PA; siblings, Sheila Stephens Lugauer, Congers, NY; Suzanne Stephens, Eureka, CA; Thomas N. Stephens, Arcata, CA; and Donald J. Stephens and wife Mary Jean of Shavertown, PA; grandchildren, Mark and Keegan McKeown; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins in the United States and Ireland.

The family would like to thank their new extended family at Gino Merli Veteran’s Center and Ray’s personal aide, Becky Pavlick, for their patient, attentive, and loving care.

Funeral services will begin Tuesday, November 10th at 9:30am from Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am at St. Therese’s Church, 64 Davis St., Shavertown. Rev. Joseph Pisaneschi will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends may call Monday from 5-7pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gino Merli Veteran’s Center, any veteran’s cause, or any animal shelter.