For over 45 years, Ray Kohere taught generations of Nutley residents and brought music and art to the world of many students through teaching, directing multiple choral groups and eventually moving on to the administration of the music programs in the school district. In addition, he shared his joy of skiing as the school ski club leader, bringing groups of up to 100 students on ski trips to Canada, Colorado, Utah and New York state every weekend and school break during the winter. During this time, he sang professionally, for many years as a baritone soloist at Riverside Church in New York City.
A service in celebration of his life will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, January 13th, 2019 at the Grace Presbyterian Church, 153 Grove Street, Montclair, NJ. Former students who would like to participate in the musical portion of the service can reach out Fran Duffy at francesduffy99@gmail.com for information.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Kohere's memory may be made to the Raymond J. Kohere Scholarship Fund and made payable/sent to Friends of Nutley Singers (Kohere Scholarship), c/o Nutley High School, 300 Franklin Avenue, Nutley, NJ 07110.
Friends of Nutley Singers thanks Mr. Kohere's family, particularly his daughter Kari Szary, for establishing the Raymond J. Kohere Scholarship Fund for the benefit of a graduating senior currently in the choir program who plans to pursue further education in music, arts, and/or music/arts education. Please see NHS Guidance for scholarship application details.