Founding General Manager Died This Past Weekend

VPR broadcast a remembrance of Ray Dilley Tuesday, April 17, 2007.

Vermont Public Radio staff and friends are remembering founding VPR General Manager Ray Dilley today. Dilley died unexpectedly this past weekend at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska. He had not been feeling well and was scheduled to see his doctor on Friday. His colleagues became concerned when he did not arrive for work on Monday. Dilley served as the Radio Network Manager for Nebraska Educational Telecommunications (NET) since 2001.

"We are saddened by Ray's passing," says Mark Vogelzang, President and General Manager of VPR. "We remained in touch with him regularly, even though Ray's been away from VPR for nearly 15 years. Public Radio exists in Vermont because of Ray's commitment and vision. We're grateful for all he did and we extend our condolences to his family and colleagues. We're also keeping in our thoughts several current VPR staff members that worked directly with Ray."

Dilley, 67, started VPR with the late Raymond V. Phillips and the late Rev. Howard Stearns in 1975 and served as VPR's chief executive officer until 1993. He joined NPR in 1993 to launch its first broadcast service outside the United States. In 1995 he won an award from the Society of Satellite Professionals for innovative use of new technology in establishing that service. He joined NET after serving as General Manager for four years of NPR station WJHU in Baltimore, MD.

Ray is survived by his mother, who still lives in Vermont, and two grown children.

VPR broadcast a remembrance of Ray Dilley Tuesday, April 17, 2007 during All Things Considered.