Raymond Stahler

Raymond Stahler passed peacefully on February 26 with the love of his life, Stephanie Warakomski, holding his hand. Over recent years, Raymond braved many maladies with the most recent one being dementia. 

Raymond was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the Oxford Circle neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. He served in the Army in the Korean War and received an Associate’s degree from Pierce College in Philadelphia, thanks to the GI Bill.

Raymond was an extrovert and an entrepreneur who spent his career in clothing sales. Early on, he owned a men’s clothing store in Center City Philadelphia and served the likes of Frankie Avalon. Later, he founded a women’s sportswear manufacturing company in NYC’s Garment District, which he ran until he retired in 2022.

Raymond is survived by Stephanie, who he met in NYC in 1999 through a personal ad in a local newspaper. There was an immediate spark that grew only stronger over their almost 26 years together. They moved back to Philadelphia in 2010 and lived happily in Center City.

Raymond enjoyed sports – especially the Eagles and Villanova basketball. He was thrilled that he got to see the Eagles win one more Super Bowl. He and Stephanie loved doing city things – ballet, theater, shopping, sitting in Rittenhouse Square, and road trips to other cities. But what he loved most of all was being at home, drinking red wine, eating a cheesesteak and watching a movie. 

Raymond had an insatiable love of life and that helped him survive many health issues over the years. He didn’t give up until it was time to let go.

In lieu of a memorial service, Stephanie will be hosting a celebration of Raymond in the near future. 

If you wish to make a charitable donation in Raymond’s name, you can do so to the Philadelphia Ballet here.