ajlisko Posted May 5, 2016 Share Posted May 5, 2016 (edited) The Drum Corps community has lost one of its most ardent members ... Long-time NY Skyliner, Ray Priester, passed away on Saturday night, April 30th ... he was Post Commander of the Garbarina-Mazarakos AL Post #1523 and a Veteran of the US Navy during the Viet Nam era ... he joined the Skyliners in 1967 and was a Lifetime Member ... he served as Director of Sky's Alumni Corps for several terms and was considered the de facto Corps Historian ... he will be greatly missed by the Skyliners and the entire Drum Corps community ... RIP Visitation times are listed below: Matthew Funeral Homewww.matthewfuneralhome.comMatthew Funeral Home 2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314 Phone: (718) 761-5544 info@www.matthewfuneralhome.comThursday night 7 - 10Friday night 7 - 10Saturday 2 - 4 and 7 - 10 My small tribute to Ray: The Commander Has Left The Post The Commander of The Post Is taking a break And now my heart Pains deep with ache A leader leads But, some rise above others For all that followed Considered him their brother Ray will not be soon forgotten Nor the stories he leaves behind For those who knew him Will give pause and take time to remind A Skyliner, through and true No finer man wore the Red and Black One only had to meet him briefly To know he had your back So, we sadly say goodbye For the Commander has left The Post Garbarina and Mazarakos now await him As he joins the Spirit of New York Edited May 5, 2016 by ajlisko 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarnia sam Posted May 5, 2016 Share Posted May 5, 2016 I met Ray at Rochester a few years ago after several years of online post trading. He was very nice to this youngster and I'm glad to say I had his acquaintance. Condolences to his family and the Skyliner family. Regards, John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trptmagnet Posted May 5, 2016 Share Posted May 5, 2016 Andy, your tribute rings true. Beautifully stated, thanks. A pause to reflect indeed. It was Fall 1968 when I met you and Ray and that amazing collection of people who would march 1969 as Skyliners. A roadmap for a lifetime of connections was set. I came online just now to check latest on Spring Preview, and it is always stunning to see another RIP. We start a new season, as another chapter closes. Ray had that engaging style, and was a true competitor – his spirit for drum corps lives on. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironlips Posted May 5, 2016 Share Posted May 5, 2016 I will miss my friend of over 40 years, and send my deepest condolences to his family and the legions of other friends he made in his lifetime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fran Haring Posted May 5, 2016 Share Posted May 5, 2016 Ray was such a great guy. This is a big loss for our drum corps family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goalieguy Posted May 5, 2016 Share Posted May 5, 2016 RIP, Ray..and Vaya con Dios!! Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ream Posted May 5, 2016 Share Posted May 5, 2016 RIP Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomPeashey Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 Rivals on the field, Friends off the field... Ray was a true gentleman... He will be missed by all... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2B or not 2B Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 Absolutely Unbelievable!!! He was one of the best people I ever met in Corps or not. He was so very good to Nancy and I. The shock that he will not be there for, or with us. Helped me/us in so many ways. I could fill an entire page here!!!! We actually hurt just thinking of him gone from us. Cool, Calm and Informed. We know he was that way with Everyone or Things he did. He was always there for us. Even when we could no longer take part. We will miss him so much. Rest in Peace with our Love, our Friend!!! Tommy and Nancy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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