Remembering Robert R Lilarose - "BOBBY RAYE"

Robert R. Lilarose, 69, local musician and entertainer unexpectedly passed away on May 12, 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 14, 2008.

Born December 7, 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 age fifteen at the Moose Home in Waynesboro, PA. He was also a prominent accordion, organ and piano teacher 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. He loved performing and his music enriched the lives of all who knew him. Bobby was an active member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, Shillington, PA.

He was also a member of Chandler Lodge 227 F. and A.M. Also surviving are two daughters: Robin R. Lilarose, Sinking Spring and Sherry L. Rust, wife of Wayne K. (Chip) Rust, Bethlehem, PA. There are also three grandchildren: Jordan M. Romero, Adam K. Rust and Courtney L. Rust.

A "Joyful Celebration of Life" memorial service will be held for Bobby on Saturday May 31, at 1:00 PM in Immanuel UCC, Shillington. Masonic services will be provided by Chandler Lodge 227 following the service.

Bobby Raye is my stage name for Robert Lilarose. Combining comedy with the accordion, I have performed over 6000 shows and 500 cruises throughout the world.

I can custom tailor shows to suit any occasion and within your budget. You can e-mail me for Flyers, Videos, Audio Cassette Tapes and Cover Letters.

I would love to entertain your group, hear them laugh and have a good time!

I am a totally self-contained one-man show with charts for up to 12 men. A student of Andy Arcari and charter member of the Arcari Foundation. 10 years featured artist American Musicological Society Symposium. He did the
opening show at the 2006 KIOTAC accordion festival in Kimberly , Canada which is one of the largest in the world.

Well it all started with my parents taking me to see Dick Contino at the Rajah Theatre in Reading, PA. where I was born and raised. I think I was 8 years old and said " That's what I want to do. I started entertaining at the age of 15, now 50 years later I'm still doing it. I had 3 fine teachers and then was referred to Andy Arcari in Philadelphia where studied for 3 years till the age of 17 then into the Army with my accordion.

After getting out I played banquets, conventions, fairs etc always as a single entertainer, comic and MC. As an All Star Entertainer I did over 500 cruises all over the world with all the major cruise lines. I have a wife Diane ( 46 years of wedded bliss ) " Boy does she have a sense of humor " 2 beautiful daughters, Robin and Sherry and 3 grand children Adam, Courtney and Jordan.

I also play also play Pop and Jazz Piano, Keyboards and Organ. Theatre Organ styles are a favorite of mine. Teaching Harmony, Arranging and Improvisation are very rewarding to me.

My CD 'BOBBY RAYE LIVE' is a one hour CD of Accordion music and Comedy + 12 numbers done on a cruise ship with a big band is available . Price $ 12.00 Postpaid. I know you'll like it! Please e-mail me at: BobbyRaye@WebTV.Net for ordering information.

Bobby
 
  

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