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Raymond Merena passed away
halfcentman
Posts: 1,498 ✭✭✭
I was just on Facebook reading Frank Van Valen's post that said Ray Merena passed away.
If anyone has more information, please post.
Greg
If anyone has more information, please post.
Greg
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Deepest condolences to his family.
Ray had been in decline for perhaps a decade with Alzheimer's and was taken care of for an extended period of time by his wife Pat. QDB told me a couple of years ago that it was a gentle slide.
Frank could tell a hundred stories. I don't have that many, but one sticks in my mind..
For years, many NY area and NE dealers would go to Wolfeboro for early lot viewing.
One night, after the semi-traditional dinner at The Quay, we went back to Ray and Pat's house. I don't know how we got to this point in the evening (Armagnac?), but Ray is on the piano playing show tunes and maybe some early rock and late boogie-woogie. Martin Paul, myself and, I can't remember who, but someone who actually could carry a tune in a bucket, are singing our asses of and having one helluva good time. I'd never seen that side of Ray before. I'm smiling just thinking about it
RIP, Ray, and condolences to Pat and the rest of the family.
E
<< <i>So very sorry to hear of this >>
+1
A noteworthy milestone to the numismatic community, I'd say, albeit a sad one.
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
Dear Friends,
We are saddened to report that Raymond N. Merena passed away this evening in Massachusetts. In 1982 he was co-founder with Dave Bowers of Bowers and Merena Galleries and participated in the firm’s many accomplishments before retiring in 2000. After then he and his wife Patricia traveled extensively, set up homes in Alexandria (Virginia) and then Vero Beach (Florida), and enjoyed their leisure. A few years ago he was stricken with Alzheimer’s, and toward the end of his life he was hospitalized. He died peacefully, survived by wife Patricia, daughters Caroline and Sara, son Mark, and several grandchildren.
A graduate of Cornell University, born in Binghamton, NY, in 1937, Ray became part of the numismatic world in 1961 when he was hired by Jim Ruddy and Dave Bowers to be general manager of Empire Coin Co., Inc. He later moved to Ohio in 1966 to join Paramount International Coin Company, where in 1971 he was named vice-president and general manager. While there he hired David W. Akers, who later became prominent in his own right.
In 1975 Ray was an invited participant when the first ANA Roundtable was held under the direction of President Virginia Culver and was titled “Problems-Projects-Priorities.” In the meantime he supervised the production of auction catalogs and for a time served as “Trends” editor for Coin World. In 1982 when Dave Bowers organized a new company he became a partner in Bowers & Merena Galleries, Inc., as noted. The firm handed many rarities and “name” collections and was the largest-volume auction house in the world. He taught at the ANA Summer Seminar, rendered long-time service to the Professional Numismatists Guild (including serving as president 1995-1997), and was active in many other numismatic organizations and activities.
Ray lived a fine life, had many friends inside and outside of numismatics, and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
RIP
jom
A fine epitaph, one we can all aspire to. RIP Ray, and sincere condolences to his family and many friends
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
Lance.
<< <i>A fine gentleman and an asset to the hobby and business. I first met him at an upstate NY show soon after the August 1982 market turnaround. He had some nice circ pre-1813 gold in his case.
Ray had been in decline for perhaps a decade with Alzheimer's and was taken care of for an extended period of time by his wife Pat. QDB told me a couple of years ago that it was a gentle slide.
Frank could tell a hundred stories. I don't have that many, but one sticks in my mind..
For years, many NY area and NE dealers would go to Wolfeboro for early lot viewing.
One night, after the semi-traditional dinner at The Quay, we went back to Ray and Pat's house. I don't know how we got to this point in the evening (Armagnac?), but Ray is on the piano playing show tunes and maybe some early rock and late boogie-woogie. Martin Paul, myself and, I can't remember who, but someone who actually could carry a tune in a bucket, are singing our asses of and having one helluva good time. I'd never seen that side of Ray before. I'm smiling just thinking about it
RIP, Ray, and condolences to Pat and the rest of the family. >>
Thanks for sharing that story. The memories live on and now every time I look at a Bowers & Merena auction catalog I will hear the strains of those melodies.
Condolences to the family and friends.
Ray had a wonderful smile.
Kevin
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
<< <i>Ray treated me well when I was a young nobody. Ray treated me well when I was an older nobody. He is missed.
Ray had a wonderful smile.
Kevin >>
Aren't those the hallmarks of a fine individual? He'll be missed - my thoughts and prayers for his many friends and family. I too always enjoy leafing through my old Bowers and Merena catalogues.
He personally gave me the huge poster that was sitting on the easel at the Bowers & Merena Childs auction in New York which was his going away gift to me.
I recall that was one of his last auctions.
I still have that poster.
<< <i>A very sad way to bring back memories of my coin collecting childhood in the early 80s.
It is sad, but nobody lives forever, not my mom, not Ray. I like to dwell on all the positive memories they made while they were around, that continue to this day and are as bright as ever.
Website-Americana Rare Coin Inc