Raymond P Stack

Raymond Paul Stack, born Nov 13th, 1937, Fitchburg, MA, passed away Sunday Feb 28th, 2016 at Glendale Nursing Home in Glenville, NY. Son of Anna M Sullivan (Stack) and Frank T Stack, pre-deceased by his wife Judith, sisters Patricia and Claire, survived by his sons David John Stack and partner Christine Phillips, grandson Tyler David Stack; Patrick Robert Stack and fiancé Stephanie Burns, grand-daughters Kiera Eowyn and Sarah Judith Stack; Nieces Melissa Putterman-Hoffmann, Jennifer Putterman and Carolyn Dufault. Ray's grandparents emigrated from county Cork, Ireland in the late 1800s and established roots throughout New England. Abandoned by his father, Ray was forced to become the man of the house at a young age, taking care of his mother Anna and sisters Patricia and Claire, while living in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He worked for the local utility company and then joined the US Air Force for 4 years, serving honorably. Ray earned his BS from Castleton State in Vermont, where he met his wife Judith Zeh Shafer (Delanson, NY), married in 1964. They relocated to upstate NY where Ray earned his teaching certificate in Social Studies in 1971 and his Master Degree from SUNY Albany in 1974. Ray began his career at Woodlawn in Schenectady, then proceeded to teach Social Studies at Linton and Schenectady High Schools.He and wife Judy were both gifted teachers who made a difference in the lives of their students. They and their adopted sons, David and Patrick, lived at 2 Birch Lane in Glenville, NY eventually moving to Kevin Drive in Burnt Hills, NY. Ray retired from teaching in 1995 but remained very active in the community. Ray had an ability to reach out to troubled students and encourage them to get the most out of their education. He dedicated much time to coaching his sons and students in soccer, baseball and basketball, famously teaching kids to "cut a choagie" to the hoop. Ray was an assistant coach to his dear friend and fellow teacher Gary DiNola during the Schenectady basketball team's win of the NY State Championship in 1998. Ray was always willing to help someone in need by volunteering, mentoring, providing transportation, a job, financial aid or a meal: he went above and beyond for his students and the community. Ray and his family would like to thank all of his co-workers and friends throughout the years for their friendship, support, love and laughter. In particular, the Colucciello, DiNola, Terry, Della Salla, Singheim and Osborne families as well as the fine fellow teacher friends of Judy's from Lincoln Elementary in Scotia, NY. A few loves fostered and lessons taught: Gardening, Fenway Park, Fishing and Maine. Perseverance, charity and integrity of character. Services for Raymond Stack will be held at DeMarco Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave, Rotterdam, NY on Sunday March 13th. Calling hours are from 1-4 pm with a service following. Please visit with us to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a local charity of your choice to benefit the community of Schenectady.