Raymond R. Stephens

STEPHENS Raymond R. Stephens, age 81, formerly of Easton, died Wednesday, May 2, 2007 in Louisville, Ky., after a long illness. The son of William and Anna Stephens, he was born in West Haven, on October 28, 1925. He graduated from West Haven High School, served with the U.S. Navy in World War II, and graduated from Bryant College. Ray wrote several amateur musical productions for the New Haven YMCA and while at Bryant. He worked in Human Resources for Connecticut firms, and after 24 years with the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company (Aquarion), Ray retired as Manager of Compensation, Benefits & Planning. He was a member and past president of both the Greater Bridgeport Personnel Association and the Connecticut Personnel Association. He was a communicant of the Parish of Christ's Church in Easton, and a member of the Easton Senior Center. Ray touched countless lives as a kind, considerate and talented gentleman, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, with a marvelous sense of humor and respect for others. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Norma Holmes Stephens, of Louisville; son R. Scott Stephens of Shoreline, Washington; daughter Barbara Stephens Hodge and her husband Lawrence of Louisville; brother Robert Stephens and his wife Louise of West Haven; sisters-in-law Rosemary Brandt of Wallingford and Carol Slott of Chicago, Illinois; granddaughters 2LT Stephanie Ference of South Korea and Alix Ference of Fairfield; grandson Andrew Stephens of Shoreline, and several nieces and nephews. A private service took place May 3, in Louisville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Easton Senior Center and The Salvation Army.