The family of Joe Ramaikas has announced a memorial tribute, open to anyone who knew him, on Friday, July 15 from 1-4 p.m. at The Woodland in Maplewood.
Joe Ramaikas with son, Hank.
Ramaikas, co-owner and head baker of Cedar Ridge Cafe & Bakery in Maplewood, died suddenly while on vacation in Hawaii last week with his wife, Felice and son, Hank.
The tribute will begin at 1 p.m. and will last roughly an hour or so, with some family members and friends speaking, according to a close family friend. A reception will follow. There is no need to RSVP.
How can you help the Ramaikas family?
Many people have been asking what they can do to help. Here are a couple of ways:
- The family has provided links to two charitable organizations that had special meaning to them, Preservation Hall Jazz Band Foundation and Friends of Haleakala National Park, Inc. Click on either to donate online. (See more information below in the invitation).
- In honor of the memory of his father Joe Ramaikas and in support of his mother Felice Ecker, a collective of friends, writers, and associates, announces the creation of an educational fund for Henry (Hank) Ramaikas. With a starting goal of $1,200, the NJ Best 529 plan can be used to help pay for Hank’s college education and associated spending. Please send a check made out to Henry Ramaikas, with a notation of Hank’s 529, to:
Erica Ecker
520 W 23rd Street
#8A
NY, NY 10011
Here is the full text from the invitation:
“It is with shattered hearts that we honor the sudden passing of Joe Ramaikas. Join us in celebration of his radiant life.
A memorial tribute will start at 1 pm with a reception immediately following.
Attire is very, very, very casual.
For those using public transportation: The Woodland is a two block walk from the Maplewood train station.
There’s a small parking lot and available street parking in the area.
Felice and Hank would love people who wish to honor Joe to consider donating to the follow organizations in his memory:
Preservation Hall Jazz Band Foundation: https://www.preshallfoundation.org. Visiting The Preservation Hall in New Orleans was a yearly pilgrimage for Joe and Felice. They have amazing programs for young musicians.
Checks may made out to Preservation Hall Foundation and sent to the following address:
Preservation Hall Foundation
828 Royal Street, #534
New Orleans, LA 70116
Donations can be made online through credit card or PayPal here: https://www.preshallfoundation.org/ways-to-help-donate/
Please ask donors to designate with a note that their gift is in honor of Joe Ramaikas.
Friends of Haleakala National Park, Inc.:
https://www.fhnp.org/ and click on the button Donate Now.
Joe, Felice, and Hank have made multiple trips to Hawaii, and it has been a very special place for them.
A fund is also being created for Hank’s future education. More information will be available on Friday.
Thank you.”
