Raymond James “Ray” Stankiewicz, 82, of Indiana, founder and owner of the 700 Shop Men’s Clothing Store in Indiana, died peacefully, Thursday, November 8, 2018 at St. Andrews Village. Born in 1936 in Everson, PA, Fayette County, he was a son of the late Raymond and Sarah (Skilone) Stankiewicz and older brother of Kenneth and Leonard. He met and married the former Marlene Antoinette Nebeseny on August 9, 1958. In 1963, he, his wife, and two daughters moved to Indiana PA to work as the manager of Pennshire Clothing. After working at Pennshire, he moved up the street to work at Leon’s Men’s’ Clothing store. He later purchased Leon’s and changed the name to the 700 Shop as the building sits on the corner of the 700th block of Philadelphia Street. Ray later opened and operated two additional 700 Shops; one in the Indiana Mall and one in Kittanning. He remained a primary figure in downtown Indiana until 2010, when he retired to enjoy time with his family.
Ray was an avid golfer, frequenting Meadow Lanes Golf Club, and golfing with friends, John Walker and Brian Hughes. He also loved boating and was an avid slalom water skier. He and his wife, Marlene, and their four children spent most summer weekends at Twolick Dam, enjoying the lake. He was a member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, as well as the Knights of Columbus.
He is remembered by his wife, Marlene A. Stankiewicz, Indiana and by his children: Raymond Nicholas Stankiewicz, III, Indiana, PA; Leslie S. Cerovich (John), Kailua, HI; Marilyn S. Murphy (Craig), Joppa, MD; and Lorraine S. Clare, Malvern, PA. He has two surviving granddaughters: Kristen Francis Clare, Boston, MA and Kathelia Margaret Clare, San Jose, CA. Ray’s only surviving brother is Kenneth Stankiewicz (Sherrie), Scottdale, PA. He is also dearly missed by his grand dog, Charlie E. Bear. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Leonard Stankiewicz.
Friends will be received Thursday, November 15th from 6pm until 9pm at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning at 11 AM at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church. Entombment will be in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Bernard School, 300 Clairvaux Dr, Indiana, PA 15701, or to the VNA Hospice of Indiana County, Medical Arts Building, Suite 3000, 850 Hospital Rd., Indiana, PA 15701.
Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.rbfh.net .
