With heavy hearts we share that Raymond “Ray” E. Stahl departed this life on February 1, 2026, surrounded in the Spirit and presence of family and friends in the hope of Christ’s resurrection.
Ray was born to the late Anne and Raymond F. Stahl in St. Louis, MO. He attended De Andreis High School and continued his education at Harris-Stowe State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree and met his future wife Dorothy (Barbaglia), a beautiful Italian who stole his heart and with whom he created a full and meaningful life.
Ray and Dorothy wed on January 21, 1961 on a snowy day, but they had plenty of love to keep them warm and celebrated 65 beautiful years together in 2026. Ray was an inspiration in the way he was devoted to Dorothy, a faithful husband who took amazing care of her following her stroke in 2001. He always told his kids how blessed he was to have her as his wife and that he appreciated her willingness to accompany him on rustic camping trips.
Ray worked for St. Louis City Public Schools, starting as a teacher and later becoming a principal after completing his Master’s degree at Webster University. He retired in 1997 after 37 years of service and was admired by students, parents, faculty and staff.
As the Bible says in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Ray lived this out every day in his care for Dorothy and his family. He enjoyed playing his guitar for his and Dorothy’s prayer group, their grandchildren, and really anyone who would listen and sing along. Ray also made delicious risotto for his family and loved baking Christmas cookies with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He frequently reminisced about how blessed he was to take his family on trips during summer breaks to the National Parks, his favorite being Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. Ray looked forward every year to the annual pilgrimage to Gulf Islands National Seashore in the Florida panhandle with other principals and their families. He also loved fly fishing at Bennett Springs, especially when his sons, grandchildren and nephews joined in.
His love of God and nature was evident and passed down the generations to his children and grandchildren who love exploring God’s natural serenity of deserted beaches, nature trails and mountains to reflect, be thankful and enjoy a reminder to live life to the fullest.
Ray will be remembered for his love of God, his humble caring nature, and his devotion to his wife, family, and friends. His kindness was exemplified in helping strangers with car problems, picking up elder friends and his family for meals, and evangelizing with his music. Ray will be truly missed by all who knew him, and we are confident God welcomed him, “well done my good and faithful servant.”
Raymond was a loving father to Brian (Margaret) Stahl, the late Christopher (Mary) Stahl and Anastasia (Craig) Miller. He will be forever loved by his 13 grandchildren, Amanda Stahl, Cameron (Kaitlin) Stahl, Nicholas A. (Lauren) Stahl, Hannah (Matthew) Canestrari, Sarah (Tom) Rapisardo, Emily Stahl, Anna Stahl, Christopher (Antoinette) Stahl, Nicholas R. Stahl, Shayla (Taylor) Piccinich, Nathan Sonntag, Shawna Sonntag and Carissa Sonntag, and 9 great-grandchildren, Roman, Finn, Elizabeth, Eliphalet, Vivienne, Milabelle, Emma, Weston and Isla. Ray was a beloved brother to his sisters, the late Kathleen (Elmer) Kowal and late Norma (John) Combest, and brother, the late Robert (Peggy) Stahl, and was a dearest brother-in-law to Tom (Lourdes) Barbaglia, Theresa (Terry) Beckmeyer and the late Sandra (Paul) Dino.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ray’s life with services on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church in Affton, Missouri. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m.
Please accept my sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Stahl. He was an individual of remarkable integrity and unwavering faith, and I had the privilege of knowing him as my former principal at Oak Hill School.
Mr. Raymond E. Stahl, as he always signed his name on our report cards, was the Principal to my husband and I at Oak Hill Elementary many years ago. He was very special to us and we have fond memories of him. He was stern but kind and had so much patience for us kids and our shenanigans. Some years back we had Oak Hill reunions and he and his wife came to two of
them. We so enjoyed spending time with him as adults and reliving memories of our times together. I also remember that at the time I admired how sweet and caring he was to his lovely wife at those reunions.. He was very special to us and we are praying for comfort that only God can bring for his family and friends at this time of loss. Please accept our condolences.
Robert and Kimberly Turner
Mr. Raymond Stahl will be so missed, however God has brought him to his final resting place in Heaven. Mr. Stahl was the principal of my grade school Oak Hill. He was like a grandpa to a lot of us because he cared so much, helped many struggling students but yet called us out when he knew we were up to something. I went to Oak Hill through 7th grade but the last year he would have been my principal I was bussed clear across town. It wasn’t fair so a student in my class tried to take revenge by bringing a rat to school. Mr. Stahl knew right away it wasn’t a street rat due to the pretty colors of it and called our class out. He took it very serious, but on the back burner he kind of laughed it off. He was so easy to talk to and share memories with. Again I have a lot of fond memories and he will truly be missed.