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http://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=23-May-2008&lang=en&s=2716
http://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=23-May-2008&lang=en&s=2716
23-May-2008
Accordionist Bobby Raye Passes Away, Pennsylvania - USAby Jordan M. Romero |
 Robert R. Lilarose, aged 69, better known as the accordion entertainer Bobby Raye, unexpectedly passed away on May 12th during an evening performance in Ocean City, Maryland. He was the husband of Diane E. (Hoyer) Lilarose with whom they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 14th 2008.Born December 7th 1938 in Reading, he was the son of the late Harold A. and Pearl E. (Hartman) Lilarose. He was a graduate of Reading High School, class of 1956, and served in the U.S. Army. Bobby began playing the accordion professionally at the age of fifteen at the Moose Home in Waynesboro, PA. He was also a prominent accordion, organ and piano teacher for a major part of his life. Bobby played thousands of shows for all kinds of audiences and locations over his career, including conventions, fairs, trade shows, ethnic festivals, clubs and resorts throughout the U.S. and Canada. His "act" (a one man musical comedy show) was discovered by a talent scout for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line who thought he would be a perfect act for the ships and became one of the Line’s "All Stars" for over fifteen years. Bobby played over 600 cruises, which took him, and many times his family, all over the world. An avid and active theater pipe organ enthusiast, he was a member of the Theater Organ Society of Delaware, the Susquehanna Valley Theater Organ Society, and an honorary member of the Freestate Organ Society. Bobby was an active member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, Shillington, PA. He loved performing and his music enriched the lives of all who knew him. |