Raffe Simonian

Always enjoyed stopping by his jumbled, mess of a store. The tv on and the record player blaring. Enchanting. Always found something neat to buy. And then the hour-long post-transaction counter conversation. Nutritious chats. The man had great taste in movies. Really knew his stuff. The golden age of Hollywood natch, but also kept abreast of the latest indies. And his passion for music just oozed out of him. A unique cat. I'm truly glad that I got to know him. Peace, Raff.

Mr. S. as I called him..English teacher at taft then later on a good friend through our love of records, music and birds. He is so missed already. He was such a treasure. Condolences to the family.

Thank you for the beautiful stories you told about your musical experiences.You will be missed.

Steve Swon

I got to know Raffe through my boss at the Park Ridge Police Department Larry Herzog. Larry was one of Raffe's former students at Taft. Larry assig ed me to assis Raffe in Tracking down several hundred of his jazz records that were stolen by a guy he hired to help him list all his records. As I worked the case I got to be good friends with Raffe and his dog Toby.I arrested the guy who took the records. He got some back and some restitution. Unfortunately no where near what was taken. The bad...

I've known him for decades, ever since Raffe's Record Riot was on Northwest Highway in Chicago, then Cicero & Montrose. Always a story and a joke - sometimes obvious, or sometimes dry humor. He knew a lot about music and I'm going to miss him.

Deepest condolences to family & friends. Raffe was a customer & later a competitor in the world of music for decades. May your happy memories sustain you all through your loss.

Warmest regards

Val Camilletti
Val's halla Records
Oak Park, Il

I knew Raffe for over 40 years from the early record shows. I enjoyed his sense of humor. He had a vast knowledge of jazz. I will miss him.

Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.