Obituary of Raymond J. DeStefano

Raymond was born in Brooklyn on July 13, 1950 and moved to Floral Park in the fall of 1954. His house was less than two blocks from Belmont Racetrack and he developed a fascination from a very young age with horses.

At 16 years old, with no experience, he went to the barn of Frank "Pancho" Martin and asked for a summer job. Raymond started by working as a hot walker, cooling the horses down after a workout. He worked for Frank Martin each summer until he graduated from Cornell University in 1973 with a degree in Quantitative Genetics. Raymond started working that summer for Murty Brothers Horse Transportation flying thoroughbred horses all over the world. Raymond also worked at the starting gate for many years.

Raymond worked as a blood stock agent for thoroughbred racehorses and was involved in breeding thoroughbred racehorses.

In addition, Raymond was a Civil War History buff and a Mets fan who enjoyed going to Shea Stadium.

Most of all Raymond loved his family. He is survived by his beloved stepchildren, Ben Ginsberg, Jessica Armstrong and her husband Matt, and his daughter, Bethany Vucurevic and her husband Nic. He was the cherished grandfather of Dan Ginsberg, Kaden Armstrong, Maya Armstrong, and Levi Vucurevic.

Raymond is also survived by his dear siblings: Tom DeStefano and  his wife, Carol Morgenstern, Susan and her husband Kenny Wenzel, Carol and her husband Joe Pisciotto, and Michael and his wife Elisa DeStefano. He leaves behind a loving legacy that includes 7 nephews and 2 nieces.