RAYMOND GODFREY

GODFREY--Raymond

Raymond Hoagland Godfrey, Jr. of East Setauket, NY passed away July 5, 2015. He was 71. Raised in Tarrytown, NY; graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, Yale University and Harvard Business School. Began his career as a writer for Time Inc. and worked in the administration of NYC Mayor John Lindsay. Part of the Merrill Lynch strategic team that developed the financial industry's first cash management product. Introduced marketing/ business development concepts to investment banking at The First Boston Corporation; co-founded Needham & Company, Inc. from which he retired in 2010. Ray was passionate about sports, music and history. Began a lifetime love of squash at Exeter, captained the Yale squash team and later competed nationally, including a famous win over the 5-time U.S. champion. Never missed a New York Giants game in 60 years, relished the intricacies of baseball and was gratified by spurts of natural talent on the golf links. Ray had an encyclopedic knowledge of rock and roll. In the 1990's he co-produced the last album of blues icon Paul Butterfield and was thrilled with this year's induction of the Butterfield band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A history and political affairs buff, Ray loved to analyze issues and engage in debate. In retirement, he overcame impatience with technology to roam the web. More than anything, he loved a good laugh. Ray is survived by his wife, Susan Schoch; children, Katherine Godfrey Beede, Jessica Godfrey Meehan, Raymond Hoagland Godfrey, III ("Terry"), and Eliza Jayne Godfrey; brother, Joseph Fallon Godfrey; sister, Deborah Godfrey Farrell; and five grandchildren. A memorial is planned for October in NYC. The family welcomes donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, http://pulmonaryfibrosis donorpages.com/Tribute/ RaymondGodfrey.