Raymond George Stapleton

Raymond was a long time member of Church of Incarnation, Sarasota, Florida, and prior to his move to Florida was a long time member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Duluth, Minnesota. Ray served for three years in the Army Air Corps during World War II, being stationed in the headquarters of General George Stratameyer, commanding general of the India-Burma sector of the Army Air Forces. Following the war, Ray attended and graduated from Marquette University. After graduation, Ray worked for a time with the DM&IR railroad. He then returned to school, graduating with a Masters in Education from University of Wisconsin Superior, following which he taught business classes and coached tennis for many years at Duluth Denfeld High School, Duluth, Minnesota. Ray was a champion ice skater, performing for many years in local ice shows in Duluth. During retirement, Ray was a frequent visitor at various places in Sarasota in order to engage in his favorite pastime, playing bingo. Ray was an affable gentleman who gained many, many friends around the world.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Anna Stapleton; brothers, Bernard, Gene, Kenneth, and Jack; sister, Katherine; and grand-nephew, Paul Stapleton.

Ray is survived by sister-in-law, Edith (Gene) Stapleton; nephew, Martin (Barbara) Stapleton, and their children, Megan (Joseph) O’Sullivan, Mark (Dawn) Stapleton, and John (Saori) Stapleton; niece, Maureen (Robert) Ryan, their children, Colleen (Brian) Becker, Patrick (Elise) Ryan, and Bridgit (Scott) Wallace; and 14 great-grand-nieces and nephews.

Memorial Mass will be Friday, July 25, 2014 at 9:30am at Church of the Incarnation, Sarasota.

A second Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Duluth, on August 20, 2014 at 10am.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Raymond's name to Holy Family Catholic Church, 2430 W. 3rd St., Duluth, MN 55806 or Greater Duluth Denfeld Scholarship Foundation, 4405 W. 4th St., Duluth, MN 55807.

Arrangements entrusted to Palms - Robarts Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Sarasota, FL.