Raymond R. Slonena, Sr.

On December 14, 2017, passed peacefully at his home in Alexandria, VA. Born in Lykens, PA on February 19, 1925 to Jacob C. Slonena and Estelle C. Logodzinski Slonena, he is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Gloria Stellar Slonena. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Ray grew up the youngest of six children in the anthracite coal mining region. After graduating high school he studied business in Philadelphia where he excelled in accounting. Ray served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947 at MacDill Field, FL. His civilian work began with the U.S. Navy at the Washington Navy Annex and Naval Gun Factory. Ray spent 34 years at the Civil Aviation Administration which later became the Federal Aviation Administration. His contributions to the Engineering & Development program budget process significantly assisted in obtaining and retaining funding resources required for advancements that forged America’s leadership in aviation. After retiring in 1981, Ray enjoyed his favorite hobbies of fishing, boating, gardening, swimming, and refurbishing furniture for his wife’s antique business. He considered his travel adventures a dream come true. In addition to his wife, Raymond is survived by his four children David L. Slonena (Josephine), Susan S. Stagnone (Joseph), Raymond R. Slonena, Jr. (Zuzanna Siwy), James R. Slonena; granddaughters Elizabeth E. Slonena and Zofia G. Slonena; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by three sisters, Virginia Barder, Mary Slonena, Anna Jaskel, and two brothers, Francis and Edward. The Slonena family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 for a brief memorial visitation with a Mass of Christian Burial to fallow at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309. Interment at St. Casimir’s Cemetery, Church of Holy Angels, Kulpmont, PA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support group homes for adults with intellectual disability at Chimes Virginia, Inc., 3951 Pender Drive, Suite 120, Fairfax, VA 22030 or Marian Homes, Inc., P.O. Box 7003, Fairfax Station, VA 22039. www.marianhomes.org