Raymond Joseph Raps

Raymond Joseph Raps, a beloved son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025 at the age of 29. Born on December 29,1995 in New York City, Manhattan. He touched the lives of all who knew him with his uniqueness, honest humor and God-given musical talents and silly. His phrases and behavior come out ridiculously funny by just being himself.

Raymond the entertainer!

He could play the saxophone day and night! Just winging the notes.

29 years of his life were not without challenges; but the low parts of his life were all cancelled by the extreme happiness he shows when he is doing what he loves the most: playing music.

He is survived by his mother, Dr Arlyn Valencia and his sister, Rachel Raps.

He was silly and brilliant. Gregarious as he could be.

It’s time to say goodbye, my love Raymond, but it’s not really a goodbye, isn’t it?

I/2 of my life is missing, sometimes it feels like all of it is going away, but my love for your sister pulls me back.

Thank you very much, my love, for being with us for 29 years!! You’ve lived a very very full life!!! No wonder you tried to learn almost all musical instruments , all at the same time… Even though your life is cut short, you were so extraordinarily happy when you were, always silly and funny, so so smart. I’ve always been so proud of you! You have the most brilliant brain and could compose music just like that.

We’ve enjoyed life the best we could.

But now, I hope and pray it’s all beautiful and peaceful, and I know my love for you will follow you wherever you go.

I’ll see you soon, maybe later.

Raymond Joseph Raps, born 12-29-95 in New York, NY, departed this world on 3-11-25, at the age of 29. He is survived by his mother Arlyn M. Valencia, father Stephen P. Raps, sister Rachel Raps, his grandmother Mildred Raps, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Raymond was an enigmatic, creative individual with many talents. He collected and played several musical instruments. His immense intellectual curiosity led to self-teaching in computer science, mathematics and an ability to speak several languages. His love of sound, music and computer programming led him to endeavor into the field of digital music synthesis. He was fond of computer games, puzzles and transformable figures. Raymond had a unique sense of humor that endeared him to many friends and family. He will be remembered as a uniquely special individual by those whose lives he touched, and will be missed by all.