Rev. Raymond Stagno

Rev. Dr. Raymond Charles Stagno, 67, of Great Kills, pastor of South Baptist Church and businessman who was dedicated to his community, congregation and family, died Thursday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

The Brooklyn native, moved with his family to Great Kills in 1965.

Rev. Stagno was an alumnus of Tottenville High School and earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the City University of New York. In addition to graduating with honors, he was accepted in the Who's Who among students in America Universities and Colleges.

He received his master's degree in biblical exposition from Pensacola (Fla.) Christian College, and doctorates in biblical studies from Pensacola (Fla.) Theological Seminary and from Baptist Bible College Seminary, now known as Summit (Pa.) University, in ministry.

Rev. Stagno served for 16 years as pastor of the South Baptist Church in Tottenville.

In the 1970's-1980's, he volunteered at the Bowery Mission in Manhattan, and also at the Goodwill Rescue Mission in Newark, New Jersey for the last 15 years.

In the 1990s, he and Rev. Frank Cosby held outdoor crusades to rid the Island from drugs and crime.

He also owned and operated King David Dinettes, a family business, which was first located in Prince's Bay before it moved to Rossville in 2010.

He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. A family highlight includes celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary at Walt Disney World. His also enjoyed reading and studying the Bible.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-1969. A boatswain's mate first class, he was stationed aboard the USS Saratoga, a Forrestal-class supercarrier. He was also in the Naval Reserves.

He was preceded in death by his son, David Salvatore II, in 2011

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, MaryJane; his daughters, Rosemarie C. West, Marjorie C. Stagno, Christina E. Franza and Maria J. Winkworth; his brother, Larry; his sister, Rose Anne Stagno; nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

The funeral service will be Tuesday from the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.

Services: Prayer Service on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home at ll:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Visitation: Sunday November 15, 2015 and Monday November 16,2015 From 2-4 and 7-9 P.M.

Cemetery: Resurrection Cemetery (Staten Island)

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home