Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Food & Drink Ray Deter of d.b.a. Dies Over Weekend
Posted by Keith Wagstaff on Tue, Jul 5, 2011 at 12:56 PM
Some extremely sad news; Ray Deter, who was hospitalized last week after getting in a bike accident on Houston Street, died over the weekend. He was 53. Deter owned d.b.a. bars in New Orleans, the East Village and Williamsburg. To say he was an important part of the NYC craft beer scene would be a bit of an understatement; he opened the d.b.a. in the East Village back in 1995, way before every bar in town was carrying Captain Lawrence and Sixpoint. He also hosted Beer Sessions on the Heritage Radio Network and was heavily involved in promoting good beer throughout New York City. His wife of 21 years released this statement on d.b.a.'s Facebook page:
This evening we say goodbye to our dear friend Ray & wish him peace in his place of rest. We remember him as a pioneer, a community-maker, a father, partner, & friend. He touched countless people & his loss is felt far and wide. Please hold him in your heart & raise a glass of good stuff. Details of his memorial ~ the celebration of his life will be posted soon. Thank you for all your love and kind words.
While I didn't know Ray very well, a lot of people I'm close with did, and the feeling of loss around the restaurant and bar industry is huge. Information on funeral arrangements will be released by the family soon. In the meantime, you can pay your respects by writing on d.b.a.'s Facebook wall or by toasting Ray with your favorite craft beer.
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