Ray Deter, owner of d.b.a. at 41 First Ave. with another outpost in Williamsburg, suffered injuries from a bike accident on June 27 and was placed in ICU. Sadly, he passed this Sunday at  Bellevue Hospital at the age of 54.

His wife posted the following message on Facebook:

This evening we say goodbye to our dear friend Ray & wish him peace in his place of rest. We remember him as a pioneer, a community-maker, a father, partner, & friend. He touched countless people & his loss is felt far and wide. ... Details of his memorial ~ the celebration of his life will be posted soon. Thank you for all your love and kind words.

Several patrons have left messages. You can do the same, HERE.

Deter has been invaluable in promoting a group he helped to found, The Good Beer Seal, in the New York Community. The Good Bear Seal endeavors to identify bars that serve quality craft beer and demonstrate a commitment to the community in which they do business. The group is also very active in promoting New York City as a destination for lovers of good beer.