Jesse R. Stanley Jr.

Jesse Ray Stanley, Jr. affectionately known as "Ray" suddenly departed this earthly life on Monday, January 26, 2015. He was born in New Haven, CT on November 20, 1958 to the late Jesse Sr. and Doris Stanley. Ray was educated in the New Haven Public Schools and graduated from Wilbur Cross High School in 1978. During these days Ray was a proud member of the high school gospel chorus and band. He also sang and played the trumpet for the Newhallville Community Choir. After high school Ray was briefly enlisted in the US Army. When he returned to Connecticut, he attended Gal mar Hairdressing Academy in downtown New Haven wherein he won a hairdressing contest and ultimately completed a certificate in Cosmetology from Gal mar. Ray had many interests in life but his biggest passion was for God. At a very young age Ray committed his life to the teachings of Jesus Christ and preached the Gospel to others. Ray was a devoted long time member of Shekinah Glory Apostolic Church where he served as a Minister of the Gospel under the current leadership of Pastor Anna M. Roundtree. This is where he also met and married Rosemary Iovieno on May 12, 2007. Ray was synonymous for blowing his trumpet, singing and praising God. His interests were photography, reading and writing poetry. He enjoyed listening to gospel music and using computer software programs. He loved to watch WWE wrestling and old martial arts movies. "Uncle Ray" had a very special way with his nieces and nephews and was the ultimate baby sitter for them, giving each a unique name that was called only by him. For many years, Ray was fortunate to benefit from very caring relationships with community caretakers and friends at the Dixwell Newhallville Mental Health Community Center, Fellowship Place, New England Home Care, most recently The Hannah Gray Home and Compassion N Care. He will be so sorely missed by many. Ray leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Rosemary Stanley, sisters Dorcas (Kenneth) Huff, Melissa Stanley, brothers Jonathan (Tammy) Stanley and Michael (Channell) Stanley, step sons Jamar (Monica) Iovieno and Michael Iovieno, two grand daughters, one grand son, one God-daughter, LaRhonda Gomes and a host of relatives and friends who loved him dearly. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Jesse and Doris Stanley and one sister, Sharon R. Stanley-Moore.

Jesse R. Stanley Jr.

November 20, 1958 - January 26, 2015