ssduke - Posted - 12/07/2025:  13:34:54

If you don't live in the Rhode Island/Connecticut/Maryland area, you may not be familiar with Rory, but his influence is wide and deep there. Saturday morning he was killed while walking his dog when he was struck by an out-of-control car driven by a career criminal who was probably under the influence of drugs at the time, according to police.

Rory and his wife, fiddle player Sandol Astrausky, were teaching associates and directors of the Old Time String Band program at Brown University. He taught banjo, guitar and standup bass at Brown, and in a variety of other venues. He had a 50-year career in music in a variety of genres. He played stand-up bass for several performers, including recording credits with bluesman Paul Geremia. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2012.

Rory and Sandol hosted regular old-time jam sessions at their Rhode Island home, including an annual multi-day weekend festival in the summer on their semi-rural property. The pair were scheduled to lead a week-long old-time music week in early January at a dude ranch in Arizona, an event they have been leading for a decade, and where my wife and I met them.

Rory was a generous, exuberant, and supportive music partner; a kind, witty and warm man who attracted people like a magnet attracts iron filings. Sandol is in shock, his friends are distraught.

A link to one of the many news stories about the crash:

thewesterlysun.com/daily-news-...b10a.html

A link to a Brown University alumni magazine about Rory and Sandol's class:

brownalumnimagazine.com/articl...ring-band

A link to a YouTube video of Rory and Sandol along with three of their students performing:

youtu.be/gac8DzUocA8?si=UEIIhcaInRjFgDOe

Texasbanjo - Posted - 12/07/2025:  14:17:11

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Realbluegrassfan - Posted - 12/07/2025:  15:39:31

Condolences to the family and friends.

The suspect obviously has no regard for the law. While I hate that the taxpayers have to support her, she needs to be locked up for a very long time. The perpetrator has a penchant for recidivism.

RDP - Posted - 12/07/2025:  20:19:05

The police keep locking these criminals up and the judges / DAs keep letting them back out on the street. Look at how many charges this woman has had in the past.

Jon Borcherding - Posted - 12/07/2025:  21:07:16

May God comfort his wife and family and grant them the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Bob Smakula - Posted - 12/08/2025:  04:11:08

Thank you for sharing the awful news. Rory and Sandol have been friends and customers of my business for years. I am stunned and saddened and will reach out to Sandol directly.

Bob Smakula