In memoriam: Ray Townley

Known to many as the bartender at the Dautaj in Warwick and at Limoncello’s in Goshen, Raymond Townley was much more than a bartender.
He was a connoisseur of fine wines and top shelf liquors, a master bartender and he knew whereof he spoke when it came to booking musicians for the live music events on Friday evenings.
Ray had an extensive background in journalism and the club/music/recording world and he brought that experience with him to the Dautaj and Limoncello’s.
Ray passed away the first week of November. The end came too soon for those of us who knew and loved Ray. We would gather to have a drink, chat and laugh, enjoy the music, dance, form new social contacts and lasting friends.
We came to know the man behind the grumpy curmudgeon demeanor. The loss is substantial, and the friends he brought into each of our lives a lasting testament.
A gathering of friends of Ray is scheduled at Coquito’s Restaurant on Forrester Avenue in Warwick Tuesday evening, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. There will be food, a cash bar and, of course, music.
All friends are invited.
- Betty Lundy