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Raymond W. Ainsworth Jr., 87, of Fall River, died on May 21, 2018, at the Sarah Brayton Nursing Care Center in Fall River. He was the husband of 64 years to Lillian (Mancini) Ainsworth.

Born in Fall River, he was the son of Raymond and Anne (Reed) Ainsworth. Following graduation from B.M.C. Durfee High School, he pursued his love of music at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he received a Bachelor’s of Music in Trombone and Orchestral Training in 1952.

He later earned his Masters of Music from Boston University following his service in the U.S. Army, where he was a trombonist in the prestigious West Point Band.  

Mr. Ainsworth was the Supervisor of Music for the Town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, for 36 years and started their first high school band and orchestra. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Portsmouth High School Athletic Hall of Fame in October 2017 for his years of dedication and leadership, including the formative years of the marching band performing halftime shows to support the football program. 

Under his leadership and guidance, the Portsmouth Patriots marching band became one of the largest and most respected bands in the area, and was selected to represent Rhode Island in the Bicentennial Festival of Bands in Allentown, Pa., in 1976 and to play in President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration parade in 1981.

“Mr. A”, as he was affectionately called, inspired many students, some going on to play and teach music professionally themselves.  

Ray performed music throughout his life, playing trombone with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, Ocean Bones, and the Swansea Community Musicians. He also played bass with the Van Allen Band, a popular local group. He enjoyed playing and writing musical arrangements and helping others bring out their musical talents.

Mr. Ainsworth was also instrumental in forming The Arc of Greater Fall River, advocating for rights and services for the developmentally disabled and intellectually challenged. He was a Founding Board Member of People, Inc. and the Corrigan Mental Health Center and served as chairman and member of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Advisory Board, who honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless and faithful service in 2015.

Ray enjoyed a long retirement, spending time with his family, going to the Boys and Girls Club, tending his garden, and running his impeccably tight ship. He was a communicant of Holy Rosary Church and a member of the Musicians Union Local 216.  

Besides his devoted wife, he leaves three children: Michael Ainsworth and his wife Donna of Southington, Conn., and daughters Leslie Ainsworth of Tiverton, R.I., and Beth Ainsworth of Fall River; three grandchildren: Matthew, Alison, and John; and a great-grandson, Bradley. He was the brother of Avis (Ainsworth) Clay of Bourne Station, Mass., and also leaves several nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 30, at 9 a.m. from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, 120 Beattie St., Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

His visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River. For tributes or directions: www.waring-sullivan.com.