Rest in Peace, Barry Ramos

To the Editor,

I was sad to read about the passing of my friend, Barry Ramos. My Manchester years remain among the most special years of my life. People…legendary people…come to mind often: Joe O’Malley, Bill Hatcher, Dan Slade, Jerry Noonan, Charlie Zolotas, Tyke, Ray Adams, and of course my dear friend and editor, Danny Slade.  But among those wonderful people, Barry Ramos stood apart.  While I pieced together a living painting houses with Carl Doane and writing for The Cricket, Barry Ramos would show up at a job site, and we’d share a coffee and a cigarette.  He’d patiently explain to me that while I could never be a Townie, I could proudly call myself a Manchesterite, and I could count on his friendship. One day we were working together at 600 Summer Street, and he dared me to sneak into “the tower”… I can’t tell the whole story here (not sure if the statute of limitations has expired…brother Ron might know), but I took the dare and we laughed about the results of that escapade for a long time thereafter.

Like the above-mentioned Townies, Barry Ramos was legendary.  I miss you my friend.

Ben Merrill

Richmond Hill, GA