Obituary of Stephen Ray

Stephen Ray, age 94, of Fairfield, beloved husband of Maria Balazic Ray, entered into eternal life on June 13, 2017 in his home with his loving family by his side. Born and raised in Slovenia, Stephen left there to work on a farm in Rugen, Germany, where he met his wife, Maria. They lived in Germany for 11 years before coming to the United States in October of 1951 with their three daughters. Their fourth daughter was born in the US in 1959 and they lived in Fairfield since 1960. Stephen worked at White's Diner, Columbia Records, and Dictaphone in Bridgeport before his retirement. A devout Catholic, Stephen was an active member of Holy Cross Church. He took great pleasure in his yard and garden and spending time with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling and going on long road trips. In addition to Maria, his loving and devoted wife of 74 years, Stephen's memory will be cherished by his four daughters, Elizabeth Crainich, and her husband, Robert, of Trumbull, Annemarie Crainich, of Stratford, Christel Ray Eles, of Fairfield, and Fran Ray, of Weston; nine grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Jozef and Anna Magjar Raj, and three siblings, Justa, Anna, and John. Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 16, 2017 from 5-9 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. His Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 10:00 AM DIRECTLY at Holy Cross Church, 750 Tahmore Drive, Fairfield. Interment will follow at Lawncroft Cemetery, Fairfield. Memorial contributions may be directed to Operation Hope, 636 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. For travel directions or to sign his online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com