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Ronald Raskin Obituary

Ronald Brian Raskin NORFOLK - Ronald Brian Raskin, 55, gently passed from this life while surrounded by his loving sisters, Susan and Daryl, and his beloved former wife and best friend, Lynnie. Born July 4, 1953, Ron was the dearly loved only son of Beverly and Paul Raskin, and lovingly spoiled baby brother to Sharon, Susan, Daryl and Patricia. Ron's birth completed the Raskin family. After his birth, his father Paul would say "I have four lovely daughters and a blessing." Ron started playing music at age 4 when his fingers were barely large enough to reach the frets on his guitar. Music was always the driving force of his life. He was a singer-songwriter who always performed his own compositions and played with various bands and especially loved his time with the Clone Rangers of Laguna Beach. In addition, he played with the Spike Jonez Band, was educated as a sound engineer and performed his music and sang at a variety of venues throughout the world. He leaves behind a tremendous body of beautiful songs and compositions and, as well, pieces for movies and television. Ron was a spiritual man with a gentle soul. He had a gift for friendship. He loved his family. He was always able to give comfort and understanding to others even while he himself battled seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Ron was predeceased by his father, Paul Raskin and brother-in-law, Lawrence Dittelman. He is survived by his mother, Beverly Turock Raskin, whom he cherished and adored; his two personal angels, sisters Susan Borte and Daryl Raskin; his sisters, Sharon Dittelman and Tricia Nelson; and brothers-in-law, Donald Borte and Charlie Riegle. He was exceptionally close to nephews Matt Salzberg and Zander Riegle and to his niece, Emma Riegle. He dearly loved his nephews, Derrick and Jason Borte and niece Nikki and her husband Mike Coulter. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Andrea, Robin, Kenny, Emily and Greg. Ron is also survived by former wife, Dr. Lynn Pearl of New York City; and by his spiritual mentor and dear friend, Dr. Moni and his wife Wilhelmina. In addition, he is survived by Peggy Ross, "mother" to his adored poodle, Chloe; and many devoted and loving friends. He will be remembered for his great heart, his exquisite talent and his unsurpassed wit and humor. He'll also be remembered for his deep love for his dogs Sammy, Su-Su, Lily, Stella and Chloe. Through his music and our memories he will live forever. The funeral will be at 4 p.m. today in Forest Lawn Cemetery with Rabbi Lawrence A. Forman and Cantor Jennifer Bern-Vogel officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.altmeyer.com.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Jul. 16 to Jul. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Raskin

22 Entries

Robert Eldridge Young, Jr

April 9, 2023

I am so sorry to you Ron, my friend, and to all of your family and friends, for not to having found out about this tragedy sooner. A while back, I had brief cause to think back on our days at school together. Then I thought to google your whereabouts. I suspected you had followed your musical talents and ambitions.

Ron and I were BF's back in 1969. We both attended private boarding school in Connecticut together. As you can see from the attached image, this is our whole dorm, Hurly Hall. Ron is second row up, first on the left, holding the lapels of his jacket. I am first row on the bottom, seated, third from the left. We both loved music and would listen and jam together on all those weekends spent in the dorm. What I remember most about him was his infectious laugh. We culminated our friendship later that year when a bunch of us drove up to the Woodstock Festival in August at Yaskar's Farm in NY. Spent the whole weekend - in the rain - but it was worth all of it. After that, I think Ron went on somewhere else. I never saw or heard from him again. If anyone else has not done so, I will inform the school about his untimely demise. I will also try to listen to some of his work. If anyone has good suggestions, please email me.

My deepest apologies and condolences to everyone

Ben and Becky Hogue

September 6, 2010

Ron, Ron, "my boy, my boy, my boy" we didn't know you were gone. It's been so long but we'll never ever forget you and the times we shared in Williamstown. Recording to all hours of the night and into the day. Playing with you at the Wild Amber Grill every week. We send our heartfelt sympathy to your family. It was a privilege to play with such an old soul. I hope some of you rubbed off on us. There is not a gig goes by that we don't think of you. We'll meet again my friend and when we do we'll be able to play "Alligator Man" long after the place closes. Thanks for all your inspiration, your songs, your gentleness and the Cubans. Till we meet again.....

Rich Burger

August 9, 2009

Let's remember the fun times.

Don Lex and I came to Norfolk lots as kids to visit aunts uncles cousins and Mamma T. Ron would show me the ropes. Oy, adventures in his sis's Mustang, riding around Norfolk hooting and hollering, freaking out the ducks in the canals, you name it.

As a musician, Ron was a teacher and an inspiration to me. We used to visit him and Lynnie in NYC. We worked together at times when I worked in Trish and D's store across from BCC high school in Chevy Chase.

Rondo, I love you and miss you!

Cuz Chicken-Neck-Dick

Krista Hunter

August 7, 2008

We are so sorry to hear about Ron. We have only fond memories of him as Daryl's brother (our neighbor in Norfolk). May he be at peace now and forever.

Brenda Morgan

July 29, 2008

We were saddened to hear of Ron's death. He and our other wonderful neighbors, Sam, Su-Su, Lily..... will always be fondly remembered.
Condolences to all of his family, most especially Lynn.
Brenda & Randy

Rondo with SuSu and Sammy in NYC

July 27, 2008

Rondo at Tanglewood in 2000

July 27, 2008

carolyn

July 26, 2008

i just found out and i am so sorry for Daryl, Bev and the family

Ron and Lily. Blizzard of '96. Riverside Drive, NYC

Janis and Rick

July 26, 2008

Ron, it’s been some time now since summer gatherings by the monument where we first met you. Those are great memories. We miss walking in the park with you and our wonderful dogs. We miss your friendship. Love ya.

Ann Smith

July 21, 2008

I was so very sorry to hear about Ron. I worked with him in Lenox, Ma. I was really happy to see him when he stopped to see us last year when he was visiting. Ron never changes. Thru good and bad, he was always laughing, cracking jokes and making eveyrone else around him laugh. I was so happy that he was able to meet my new son. He couldnt wait to tell him 'stories'. Im sorry Eli wont beable to get to know him. he was one of kind.

Karin Benson

July 19, 2008

Bless you, Ron and all the joy and fun we shared in the plays we did--good ol' 'Dark of The Moon' and others--plus all the laughs you and I and Frank had at home and musically. All your gifts are part of us now and out there thrilling the cosmos. My love to you, Karin L. Benson

Bob Hawkins

July 18, 2008

Goodbye Rondo, aka, Rudy La Rue. We had some great times, we had some trying times. I always loved and respected you, and recognize you as one of the most talented people I have ever met. We shared some really fine musical moments, and a lot of laughs. I remember Flannel cakes at Musso and Frank's and post Sandpiper gig breakfasts at The White House, Mammoth with the Gems and much, much more.
May God bless and keep you always.

Matt M

July 18, 2008

Hi Its Matt the drummer from "The Clone Rangers". I didnt know Ron even gave that band a second thought over the years of his musical career. It touches me greatly to hear Ron loved that band so much.

I can't tell you how sad I am and very disappointed in myself for not making more of an effort to run into him over the past many years.

I listened to "Water of Love" by Dire Straights today (a song Ron did wonderfully).

Here's to Ron, his family and friends.

- Matt M

Joan Grandizio

July 18, 2008

Ronnie, Ron-dog, Rondo, Rudy, My dear Friend Ron,

I love you, and I miss you terribly. I’ll miss our 1-2 hour phone conversations, making plans, conversing about life, and laughing hysterically at your endless impersonations (done so well; you should have been a stand-up comedian!). I’m sorry you had to endure so much pain; and I’m sorry I got frustrated with you when you came to CA and sat on the beach for hours instead of getting gigs. I wanted to see you fulfill your dreams, but moreover, I wanted you to move to CA so you’d be close by. You didn’t get to reach your goal of moving to CA, so I can only surmise that you did what you needed to do in your physical state here, and that you were ready to move on. Still, I wish I had had the chance to say goodbye, and I’m so very sad about that. I can’t wait to see you again and give you a smile, a hug, and a big kiss on your luscious lips, (and then I want one of your famous hand massages). If it’s true there’s a Rock-n-Roll heaven, then they’ve been in stitches since your arrival. As I cry and close my eyes tight willing with all my might for you to appear before me, I find myself smiling. Thanks for making me smile. Thanks for being my friend. I love you so very much, Ronnie. I’ll see you soon, my dear Friend. Oxoxo Joan

Dan Yablonka

July 17, 2008

Rondo Raskin
Rudy .... Man ... I have SO many humorous stories from when Ron stayed with me through many visits to California ...Humor... that's who Rudy was. He'd make you smile and help you see the light side of life even when he, like us all, was having tough times. My favorite one however is not one of the humorous ones but his taking me to the Mother Center of the Self Realization Fellowship just days after I was diagnosed with what was supposed to be terminal cancer. He provided me with the first ray of hope that I needed to let in the others that followed. He was generous with his spirit beyond limit and I will so greatly miss him and his many voices and faces that all were Rondo Raskin. God bless you and rest your soul. I still have a floor anytime you have a ride!! ... Love you my brother. Take care of Paul and he, you, Dan_0. (he used to address me "Book-em Dan-O ... " out of Hawaii 5-0).

Steve Dixon

July 17, 2008

My heartfelt condolences to the Raskin family. Ron was one of my best friends in life. We met in high school and were roommates in our first year at Windsor Mt. School. Those were the great years filled with love and angst. We struggled to find our way in life and had a boatload of fun doing so.
After high school I always stayed in touch with Ron as we formed a unique bond that could not be broken by time or geographic location. I always loved him for his frank candor, sense of humor, perceptiveness and overall humanity.
We will remember him as a dear friend, a great musician, a lover of life, and one of the most peaceful , compassionate people I have ever known.
Ronald, the Dixon family will sorely miss you. My children, Nick and Seth whom you helped me to raise into fine young men will miss your spirit and guidance. Terri Jo who always had a soft spot for you will miss your kind words of reassurance. I will miss your friendship and our time together playing music and smoking Cubans. Peace to you my brother and save me a place in the choir when I can see you again in heaven.

Sandy Yablonka

July 17, 2008

Rudy La Rue,
I'm gonna miss you buddy. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Much love,
Sandy

Jeff the bass player Carlson

July 17, 2008

I jammed with Ron several years ago only one time, with my friend Dan Y. He had a great musical talent and a fabulous wit!

Uncle B

July 17, 2008

Nuts. I miss ya Ron.

Kevin Hahne

July 17, 2008

God Bless your family members. God has a special place for people with the heart of a person like you.
See you in heaven at that big car dealership . Thanks for the friendship.
Kevin Hahne

July 16, 2008

sorry ron i will miss you

Jeffrey Lefcoe

July 16, 2008

I am living in Durham so a bit away from old friends in VA. I am so sorry to hear about Ron's passing and have nothing but best wishes for the rest of the family.

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