The Ravens: History - Nineties

The Ravens History: Nineties-Today
by John Anthony

In 1998 Jeff, Barry and I played as The Ravens along side bands made up of members from other 60's bands at an Elk's hall Stag hosted by the Danbury High School Class of 1968. It was amazing how little had changed inside the hall from 30 years before. Same ganged wooden chairs, velvet stage curtains and green clock on the wall. Most people stood and watched the bands and a few danced just like at the stags in the late 60's. Truly a deju-vu experience.

Sadly, Jeff Annunziata, our drummer, passed away on July 15, 2002, of a heart attack. He and I had been in all the bands together through thick and thin for 40 years! It was a shock to see him leave this world still relatively young at 54!

In 2005 the DHS class of 1965, the one I was in, held it's 40 year Reunion at Capellero's Grove in Bethel. All the local area bands from the 60s were invited to come and play. The Ravens, like the mythological Phoenix, arose from the ashes and played. No other bands showed up to play.

On this night The Ravens were Barry Roma, George D'Aiuto, and I along with Ray Plue filling in as our drummer. Ray has been a friend of The Ravens from the beginning and has had his own very successful band Higher and Higher for many years.

Today, Joe still lives in Wisconsin. He and his wife Maria run web-based businesses that are extremely successful. We've stayed in touch on and off over the years and use this web site to stay in touch musically. Recently we were able to locate Bruce!

Bruce plays saxophone in an excellent jazz band called the Bel-Isle Trio that comes from Belfast, Maine. They have a web site with some of their songs on board at Bel-Isle Trio.

Bruce just got married out in Hawaii where he usually spends part of his winters. I hope Joe and I can stay in touch and not lose Bruce again for another 40 years!

Ritchie worked at the Bethel PD for many years as their records officer. After retiring recently, he and his wife Pat moved to Florida.

On January 27, 2014 we lost Ritchie who fought a long courageous battle against lung cancer. He was a great guy and for sure the easiest going one in the band.

I spent 30 years as a hardware design engineer. With globalization, decreasing product cycles and the general push to do everything faster and cheaper, I decided to leave engineering. In 2006, I started my own handyman business which has done very well. Our family migrated south in 1989 and today we live in Angier, NC just south of Raleigh.

Music for over four decades has been and still is an amazing journey. I've had the privilege and honor to share it along side very talented and versatile band mates. It is a treasured bank of experiences that I wouldn't trade for anything!

Best Wishes,

John Anthony

Go To: 1985-86