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Obituary for Raymond E Kubian
Raymond was born to Stephen and Mary Kubian. His father, who owned a plumbing supply store, must have passed down his aptitude for handling long, metal pipes as Ray became a saxophone player.
As a member of Perth Amboy’s Music Union, he performed with area jazz quartets like The New Savoys and trumpeter Buzzy Barber’s band. Raymond and the band’s accordionist became known for playing musical tricks on Buzzy, such as switching keys in the middle of a tune, to throw Buzzy off while soloing.
Raymond was a very talented improviser and he got the attention of Prestige recording artist Morris Nanton. Morris took him to New York, where Raymond sat in with the cats of the day, including the great Horace Silver himself!
Denise Kelly was introduced to Raymond by his sister. He thought she was a great dancer. She thought he needed improvement on the dance floor. “If you trip me, I’ll kick you”, was what she found herself uttering. Alas, she decided she could live without partner dancing and they were married on May 3, 1959.
In the early years of their marriage Raymond and Denise were adventurous. They took in shows. They sailed. They even built their own home with just a few friends to help.
Raymond felt he had to become more serious for his family so he got a job with the gas division at PSE&G. He would work there for thirty two years.
In 1971, Raymond and Denise had a son, Raymond S. Kubian. Though Ray no longer had a professional music career, he became very supportive of his son’s music.
Raymond still found opportunities to blow into pipes from time to time. He became a tuba player for the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band. With him aboard, the low brass became notorious for their low and crass humor, playing tricks on each other during shows in an effort to crack each other up.
Raymond, who served six years in the National Guard, lived life with honor and with devotion to both his family and his country. He was funny, charming, and had a quick wit. He could fix almost anything and, even in his last weeks, could still sing a briskly swung scat line. He will be missed.
