Raymond Aspinwall

Raymond P. (Ray) Aspinwall a lifelong resident of Englewood, passed on June 29, 2020. Ray was born February 8, 1948 to Kenneth P. and Bridget K. Aspinwall. He matriculated through the Englewood Public School System, graduating from Dwight Morrow High School in 1966. A member of St. Cecilia Church, he received the sacraments and became a deacon. Ray joined the Boy Scouts of America, and accomplished the highest achievement, the Eagle Scout. Following his passion for music, he attended Butler University, Jordon College of Music in Indianapolis, Indiana, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Music degree. In later years he attended Fairleigh Dickenson University for graduate work. Ray earned a Certificate of Public Management in 1993. Ray was a teacher of Music in the Englewood Public School District. He took an early retirement from teaching to follow one of his passions, politics. He was very active in the Bergen County Republican Organization, and Republicans for Good Government, and was District Chair for the Republican organization representing the 37th District. He was a current board member of the Englewood Housing Authority. Ray's second passion was music, where he was a member of American Federation of Musicians Local 16-248: Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey Musician's Guild. He enjoyed playing his trumpet and performing with different bands, such as Rick Marcy's La Banda Del Fiesta Italian, the Palisades Park Fire Department Band, the West Morris Community Concert Band, and the American Weldery Band, among others. Earlier this year Ray took over as conductor of a concert band in the Englewood area and he was a longtime member of the Bergen Philharmonic, and currently a member of the Board of Directors. Ray was a long-standing and active Trustee of the Boat Jumpers Organization. This Italian organization is a social club dedicated to good fellowship and fun. The BJO would host a roast/dinner every year to honor outstanding community members. Ray also hosted for 26 years (10 with his father, and 16 years on his own) the annual Jim Sheehan Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast. He was a member of the Lincoln Club, and was part of a nationwide network of automobile fans that search for Lincoln parts and cars in working order. Ray was very proud of his main vehicle, a 1986 Lincoln Town Car. He drove it to every meeting and family gathering. Ray was predeceased by his brother Kenneth P. Aspinwall, Jr., his mother Bridget "Bridie" K. Aspinwall, and his father Kenneth P. Aspinwall. He is survived by cousins in Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Missouri, and Arkansas. Ray was a true friend, he always enjoyed a good gathering and a nice glass of wine. He will be deeply missed. Arrangements are being handled by Barrett Funeral Home, 148 Dean Drive, Tenafly, NJ 07670. Visitation is Wednesday, July 8, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Funeral service is at 12:00 PM, with interment in George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus following. Services will not available via webcast.