Robert Cravens
Time spent with Ray was always a good time marked by kindness, thoughtfulness, laughter, encouragement, unpretentious scholarship, and a healthy dose of friendly competitiveness.
For me, the good times spanned forty years in a bunch of places, including Italy and France, Delaware and Long Island. And countless visits to the always welcoming Amberley home.
It was there that Ray and Linda graciously hosted a college graduation party for my Jeanne-Marie and her dear friend Jade just about a year ago.
So many mental snapshots of Ray : Card and board games; sudoku; crosswords; jokes (especially the cheeky delight he took in the “no ‘f’ in” punchline); sharing after-dinner port; discussing Hamilton, Jefferson, the Federalist Papers, the Philly sports teams, and the significance of salt in history; reducing the Italian language to the single word “Prego” (LOL). Those are just a few of many gems.
Above all else, I am forever grateful for Uncle Ray’s lasting impact and influence on Christy’s and my kids. Over more than twenty years, he encouraged and advised them, entertained and amused them, and playfully challenged them with riddles, puzzles, and games.
Both our kids have pursued studies and career paths rooted in mathematics. That has Uncle Ray’s fingerprints all over it.
My Howard has even followed in some of Uncle Ray’s footsteps : A job offer from Raytheon and a position with Lockheed Martin.
We are all grateful for having Ray in our lives.
Sympathies to Linda and the family and the many loved ones. He cherished you all.
A life exceptionally well lived. RIP, Ray.
Robert Cravens
New York, NY
May 8, 2025