Since his body hasn't surfaced in the river after 28 days, it probably is not suicide.
The new suit could have been bought without Patti Fornicola's knowledge.
I think Ray had been planning to "disappear himself" for some time. He is probably on an island somewhere with a new girlfriend (or boyfriend).
Gretta had 2 shows covering this story shortly after Ray Gricar disappeared along with former homicide detective Ted Williams.
After watching the first of the 2, where she visited the mini-mall in Lewisburg near the antique store where his car was parked, and walked down the path to the river, I was left with the impression that there may well be a homosexual link.
No hard evidence, just a feeling I took away from the show.