Raymond Stoddard

The mission of a teacher should not be simply to educate, but to encourage young minds to think critically and differently about information presented to them; to not blindly follow those before us, rather get to the 'why' behind what we do. Mr. Stoddard did exactly this. In 2010, I was more than lucky to be in Mr. Stoddard's Future Studies class at Mercy High School. He was an incredible teacher and changed the way I thought about the world and subsequently my life. I'll never forget those...

I will never forget the music. The world is a lesser place without you.

Rest In Peace, my first love, my friend...you will be sorely missed.
Your smile lit up the stage that you so dearly loved...from Oliver to Mame and all in- between. Your beautiful voice will always be remembered..and those “sparkling” blue eyes...

I was sorry to read of Mr Stoddard's death. Now I really didn't know him but I remember him so well from a visit he made to The Christmas House in Elmira. I remember two things vividly. One is how we remembered his father, and that pleased him. The other is how easy and comfortable it was to chat with him about both Elmira and his life. Why we didn't invite him to dinner is beyond me as he was the type of many who seemed like we had known him for years. Our condolences to his family and...

With all the turmoil in today's world, Ray will be especially missed. Just thinking of him now brings nothing but good memories and smiles, such a bright and cheerful light. Condolences to all the family, may all of your memories be a blessing.

I was going to say that I was friends with Ray both on and off stage but that would be misleading. What I mean W. Shakespeare said best, “All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and in his lifetime a man will play many parts, his life separated into seven acts.” That is who my friend Ray was to all who knew him. May you begin your own choir and stage of angels.

He was always fun to be around and plays were his forte

Ray was one of my brother's best friends and fellow Thespian. I always went to their shows and was so impressed. Ray was always very nice to me and even though I was much younger than they were, treated me like one of the gang. Thanks Ray for all the memories and laughs! God Bless and look forward to getting to heaven and joining the theatre troupe you have started!

Karen,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother Ray.
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.