“Like all of you, I truly loved Ray Tye. I joined United Liquors 23 years ago and found out about the United Family. At United, Ray was always ‘Mr. Tye’ – to everybody – if he was in the room or he wasn’t. He was always bigger than life. His presence would fill a room, any room, anywhere. One of his great attributes was that he was a quality listener. He was always the last to speak but the first to listen. I learned about people from Ray. He was magic – he treated all people with respect, dignity and courtesy. In business I learned your reputation is everything – and he said ‘you have to earn it every day.’ I found one of the unique things about Ray Tye is that he lived well but he wasn’t defined by wealth; rather, he was defined by what he did to make this world better.”
Dave Roberts - Friend
“I am here today – and I am what I am – because of Ray Tye, and all the kindness and help that he gave me in my life. My introduction to Ray Tye was over 50 years ago. I was escorting about 100 of his employees and spouses on a Florida vacation and I saw a man who treated his employees as I would always want to be treated. And over the next 50 years nothing changed – he was always doing good things for people. Many never knew where the help came from and just as important as the help was the idea that someone cared about them. How could one say thanks to Ray Tye? He would never accept anything for himself. So when Eileen decided to honor his 80th Birthday by establishing The Ray Tye Medical Aid Foundation, so many friends of Ray got the chance to say ‘Thank You.’ Ray, you will always be with us. I love you.”
Irwin Chafetz – Friend
“I am proud to call Ray Tye my Papa. Everything he did, whether it was helping someone or standing over a hot grill making his famous ribs and burgers, it will be remembered forever. I know everyone here has a story about my Papa that has touched them. So, if you would right now, close your eyes and just remember him. I have so many wonderful memories of my Papa; I love and cherish every one. A recent memory seems to stand out. One day after school I visited my Papa at United Liquors. When I walked in he immediately ended what he was doing and greeted me with ‘Oh Molly! Hello! Come in!’ I gave him a big hug and sat down to talk. We went through the usual stuff that showed he cared so much about me, always beginning with ‘how are you?’ I miss you Papa. I love you.”
Molly O’Brien – Granddaughter
“I was blessed to work at United Liquors for 25 years. Anytime I wanted, I would walk to dad’s office and his door was always open. He would drop what he was doing and listen, teach, learn, advise and love. My dad loved his grandchildren,
Molly and Conor, Annie and John and Lucas. His proudest moments were Molly’s and Conor’s Bat and Bar Mitzvahs. Both celebrations were special as he stood up at the bima with each of them, a twinkle in his eye. At Conor’s Bar Mitzvah my dad’s most treasured gift was passed on to his grandson. He wrapped Conor in his prayer shawl that he wore 73 years ago at his Bar Mitzvah. So, we will remember all those special times with dad which brought joy to our hearts. We will remember how much he loved us, how much joy we brought him and how special he made us feel.”
Randy O’Brien – Daughter
