Raymond S. Kotwica

Raymond S. Kotwica, 87, formerly of Uxbridge, MA, passed away on January 16th at his residence at Cortland Place, Greenville, RI. Raymond was the son of the late Stanislaw and Zofia (Blanchniec) Kotwica .. He leaves a sister, Josephine McPherson, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Albert Kotwica, Janet Krajewski, and Wanda Tabak.

Raymond was an Army veteran serving during the Korean War and a graduate of Boston University earning a degree in classical trumpet. He started playing the trumpet at an early age and played professionally all his adult life. He joined the faculty at Berklee College in 1957 and was named distinguished chair of the Brass Department in 1989. He was a mentor to Boston high school students and was awarded the Public Service Award by the late Boston Mayor Menino in 1996. His strongest mark was on the Boston music scene as lead trumpet player at the Shubert Theater where he accompanied stars like Nat King Cole, Harry Belafonte, Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett. Ray will be remembered for his strong sense of humor; he was known to have a joke for every occasion.

A celebration of Raymond's life will be held at the Kubaska Funeral Home, 33 Harris Ave., Woonsocket, RI, on Friday, January 23rd between the hours of 6-7 pm. Burial will be private. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in his memory may be made to a charity that provides for those in need. A prayer service will be Friday evening at 7:00 P.M. after the visitation hour. Kubaskafuneralhome.com.