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RAY SANTISI Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for RAY SANTISI
Jeannie Delahunt
May 1, 2024
Ray was my piano teacher at Berklee--a gift to the profession. So grateful for his guidance and influence. The music goes on... Jeannie
Karla Raphael
October 24, 2022
I´m remembering Ray today, Jasmine and Santiago family. His speaking voice, his gentleman ways, and his kindness was the soul of his music for me. Thank you, Jasmine for including Ray in my life when the time was right!
Karla
Karla Raphael
October 24, 2020
I love you Ray, and cherish our Sunday evening dinner memories with Jasmine. I got to to tell Cousin John Bethel all about our time together before he passed less than 2-years ago. He remembered you well and your shared musical gifts throughout Bermuda, NYC and Boston. Enjoy Your Peace!
April 15, 2015
Raymond taught me for nothing at his studio at BERKLEE College of Music while I was performing on piano at the Sheraton Boston Hotel 1978 - 1979. He encouraged me greatly, and I was privileged just to sit in his copany with Teddy Wilson at KEN's at Copley and in the Copley Plaza Merry-Go-Round, where Ray performed solo piano also. He cn't be replaced and I miss him much. ...Tom Green, Pianist
Patricia Adams
December 30, 2014
For my much missed and beloved arranger and accompanist from 2003-2014 the first Sunday of each month for brunch at Ryles Jazz Club.
Patricia Adams, vocalist with Ray Santisi, March 2010
Patricia Adams
December 16, 2014
The first Sunday gig at Ryles continues with your spirit guiding every note and tune. Without you I am finding my new voice after the eleven years we spent together rehearsing for and playing that gig. You led the trio and accompanied me until the month you died and yes, I received the message from Gary Johnson (drums) and Dave Zox (bass) you would be at the November gig. I didn't realize it then but I do now how happy you made my life during those years. Thank you. I miss you.
December 9, 2014
I sadly just heard of Ray's passing. He was a huge help and inspiration to me when I studied with him at Berklee for a few short years in the early 60's. A rare and generous musical spirit - his music lives on through his many grateful students.
Mike Nock, Sydney, Australia.
pamela talbot
November 23, 2014
I worked at the Copley Plaza bar for 5 years in the late 70s, early 80s (the golden years of Boston's long gone but great piano bars) . Ray was, hands down, my favorite musician. (His drink of choice was an occassional white vermouth in a coffee cup.) I was 21 and thought he was the classiest, coolest person I had ever met. He was so nice to the staff and on slow nights would always ask me what song I wanted to hear. (I learned of the classic jazz compositions from listening to Ray). To this day , when I hear songs like "Night in Tunisia" or "When Sunny Gets Blue", I think of Ray.
November 17, 2014
Ray was a uniquely gifted colleague, teacher and friend. Sincere condolences are sent to those for whom Ray's life and talent made an essential difference to their lives. Sherrie (Phair) Kaminsky
J.D. Smith
November 7, 2014
Many were the times I'd run into Ray late night at the supermarket. He'd always greet me and offer a kind word or two; very saddened at his passing.
Dave Miranda
November 7, 2014
I was very saddened to hear of Ray's passing. When my mom and dad were first dating, they used to go to the Stables in Boston to see Ray and Herb play. Years later we had Ray play at their 50th wedding anniversary party. It was a wonderful memory for all of us and the three of them had fun reminiscing about the Boston jazz scene back in the day. Our condolences to his family and friends. He has a great guy.
Bob Hores
November 6, 2014
A great sadness came over me when I learned of Ray's passing. Another of the great ones gone, and with him, a little more of the real jazz legacy that is slowly but relentlessly slipping away. I loved every beautiful sonority he played on gigs I was fortunate enough to have worked with him over the years. Keep swingin', Ray!
Karla Raphael
November 4, 2014
Beautiful service to celebrate all of you today Ray! I miss you already at our Sunday night dinners with Jasmine. Forever your spirit and memory are held in my heart. Rest now, Rest!
Howard Kaye, Jr.
November 4, 2014
We met not so many months ago at the Whole Foods Market on Cambridge Street, Boston. Ray and Jasmine would be there on Sunday evenings having a bite to eat around the same time I was doing the same. At some point Ray reached out to introduce himself and Jasmine. From then on we had delightful, friendly, albeit short, Sunday evening chats. Ray was an understated, kind soul - a good man. (We talked about the possibility of piano lessons; regrettably that never happened.) It was a gift to have known him. May Ray know peace, love, growth, and protection in the realm of the spirit.
Scott Free
November 4, 2014
When I first arrived in Boston, my friend, Dave said we should go to the Gardner Museum to hear some of the Berklee faculty give a concert. It was Ray Santisi on piano, John LaPorta on tenor, Herb Pomeroy on trumpet, Joe Hunt on drums and Chip Jackson (student) on bass. It was a wonderful and eye opening experience, realizing that these phenomenal musicians were dedicated to teaching the likes of us. I got to know Ray, to hear him in several different bands, to work with him and to appreciate his wit and humor. I send my condolences to his family and know that you are in our thoughts. Scott and Michelle Free
November 3, 2014
Arigato.
Tsubasa
Promo pic from Dads album
Eric Hart
November 3, 2014
My father Vartan Haroutunian and Muzzi work with the greats and started the jazz scene way back before I was born. I miss all the friends that they introduced me to Al Vega, John Neves, Herb Pomeroy, Gene Destasio, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Lake, Nikki Capazuto, Pete Derosia, such GREAT and TALENTED men and friends of the Jazz scene. I had the pleasure of introducing my new bride to Ray this past summer while he played in Boston, and was still impressing the crowds. Ray,I guess you will back with the ole trio again, and your audience will be the Heaven itself which is where your soul truly belongs. Love and miss you Eric Hart (Haroutunian) and family.
Debby Larkin
November 3, 2014
Our Dearest Ray,
We will keep you forever in our hearts. We are lucky enough to have recordings of us together and many, many memories. Memories of laughter, wonderful meals and holidays together, travels to Italy, Bermuda, Scotland... The bandstand was a sacred place we shared and we will miss your voice, your genius, your re-harmonizations, the jokes, pranks and most of all, your love!
Forever, Debby Larkin & Jeff Stout
Ray with George Bushee & Harvey Simons at the Top of The Hub
Harvey & Lil Simons
November 2, 2014
Cynthia Mariano
November 2, 2014
To Ray's family,
I knew Ray very well, as he was one of my farher's closest friends. My sisters and I loved him like an uncle when we were grueling up, and he was akways warm and loving to us. My father taught at Berklee in the 60s and 70s, and during this time renewed the friendship he had begun with Ray in the late 40s, when they were both students at what was then called Schillemger Housr of Music. It later became Berklee School of Music. Ray and my father played a part in the formation of the jazz club known as the Jazz Wirkshop. I remember great times hearing jazz greats perform there, and then hanging out at the deli calked The Bulkie, just a few doors down. Those were such vibrant times. Our history of knowing and loving Ray goes on and on, until my farher's death fuce years ago. I will akways cherish my memories of Ray (we canned him Muzzi) My condolences are with you all.
John Ferrara
November 1, 2014
Ray was one of my teachers at Berklee in the 1960s. I got a lot of my piano jazz influence from Ray's playing, simply by watching him play at our lessons, and playing duets with him. My first lesson with him was in 1962 at the Stan Kenton jazz clinic at UConn. It has been 32 years since I last spoke with him. I am deeply saddened by his death as I considered him a great teacher and friend. I eventually taught at Berklee in room 3M, just above his office, so I was close to him again, and it was very much because of his great teaching ability that I was there. Rest in peace Ray, I'll always remember you and think of those great times, and what you did for me, and countless other pianists.
Dave Clarridge
November 1, 2014
Ray was in the house rhythm-section with Alan Dawson and John Neves/Larry Richardson at Lennies on the Turnpike when I worked there...also played there a lot in Herb Pomeroy's big band. Wry, dry sense of humor...great musician...privilege to have known and heard him. Dave Clarridge; Newburyport
Chet Broderick
November 1, 2014
Friend since Ray (Muzzi) and his wonderful family lived over the Busy Bee, I know his legions of friends and admirers will always remember Ray,not only for his being a great musician and teacher, but also for his wonderful dry wit and man that he was.
Ray Santisi Trio and Patricia Adams at Ryles
Kaloyan Tanev
November 1, 2014
I had been away for a month and came to Berklee this Saturday for my usual lesson with Ray. Paul, who works as security, said, "Did you hear about Ray? He passed away." So sad. Ray was a humble, gracious man. I am an intermediately skilled player, but he took me on. I called what came out of his fingers "liquid beauty" and advanced a lot under his teaching. Once he said, "if one has the patience to practice the techniques...," to which I responded, "if one has the patience to work with someone who is practicing the techniques...," and Ray quickly said, "No, no. You may not become a world-renowned musician, but I won't either. You know how you like it when your patients do well? It's the same with teaching. It's a pleasure to see a student practice, get the techniques and get better." Ray was a world-class jazz pianist, a great teacher, and a gracious man. I will miss him a lot! I feel privileged to have known him.
November 1, 2014
I offer my condolences to the family for their loss. 2Co.1:3 was a comfort to my family and friends and I hope it does the same for yours.
November 1, 2014
Goodbye old friend. Didn't see you often, but we've kept in touch over the years. Rest peacefully. Respectfully, Lorna Ullock Sherman
Harvey & Lil Simons
November 1, 2014
Worked with Ray for many years at The Top of The Hub and other places with H George Bushee. I will always treasure the drawing of the 3 of us done there and the many tapes we made.
Oguz Can Ozcanli
November 1, 2014
Ray Santisi was my (Best) teacher at Berklee. I can't explain how much time and importance he gave to his students. He cared about his students a lot. I will never forget him. I am so saddened by his loss. I feel very lucky to have known him. I have always been inspired his humanity and elegance. As much as he thought me about music, I learned a lot of things about life from him too. Thank you for everything Mr.Santisi.
Dale Kaplan
November 1, 2014
When my friend (and one of Ray's students) Ben convinced me I had to park the cab I was driving on the stand at the Copley Marriott and go up to listen to Ray in the lounge one Sunday, years ago, I had the rare treat of hearing an incredible pianist in a relaxed and friendly moment. Sad to learn of Ray's passing. Filled with gratitude for the gifts he shared.
Kitty Lin
October 31, 2014
As I am still speechless right now.....
Al Hirschhorn
October 31, 2014
This impeccably-attired gentleman might have been recognized as one of the all-time GREATS had he performed outside of Boston to a wider audience. Ray's performance was always stunningly beautiful!
During his long tenure at Berklee, he has helped to develop & nurture some of the best jazz pianists in the land. God Bless! Ray is at peace now.
With deep respect,
Al Hirschhorn
"Way Tansisi"
October 31, 2014
You are much missed old friend. I will retell the jokes, anecdotes laughs and stories we shared throughout our nearly 6 decade friendship. I will especially miss your vichyssoise and stuffed artichokes. Fifi
Brenda
October 30, 2014
Thank you, Ray. You are out of pain and at peace. God bless you.
Brenda Keen
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