Raymond F. Meurer, age 87, of Rowayton passed away at home on July 6, 2019. Born Dec. 28, 1931, in New York City, he was the son of the late Sylvain and Emma Meurer. He was predeceased by his sister Alice.
Ray grew up on Long Island and graduated from Great Neck High School. He attended Wabash College, where he received a B.A. degree in English. He married the late Jane Schreifer in 1956. Ray began his business career in 1953 with Walden Book Company. In 1957, he joined IBM in communications and press relations. He served as manager of IBM’s News Bureau in Cleveland and later New York City. Based in White Plains, N.Y., he wrote executive presentations for division presidents and senior marketing executives. He also produced television and print advertising for a variety of products and services. Prior to retiring in 1992, he provided press relations support for IBM’s corporate sponsorship of the PGA Tour, the ATP Tennis Tournaments and the BOC single-handed around-the-world sailboat races.
His passion in life was boating. Ray could be found on his boat any day of the week all season long. In addition to enjoying the many harbors on Long Island Sound and beyond, he transited the waters from Maine to Florida. He was past commodore of Wilson Cove Yacht Club and a member of Rowayton Yacht Club and the Corinthians. Ray served as harbor superintendent of Five Mile River for 13 years and was a member of the Connecticut Harbor Masters Association. At the United Church of Rowayton, he served as chairman of the board of deacons and as lay leader. He also produced press releases for print and TV news media about church activities. He was active in the Darien Men’s Association and for the last several years produced its newsletter and headed up communications.
Ray is survived by Joyce, his wife of 41 years. He has three adult children and six grandchildren who live in nearby Danbury and Fairfield, Conn. A memorial service will be held at the United Church of Rowayton on Sat., Sept. 7, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rowayton Library, 33 Highland Ave., Rowayton, CT 06853.