Charles H. Raab

Charles Henry Raab, 94, died at his home on December 18, 2010 after a brief illness. A lifelong York Countian, Charles was born in Windsor Township on December 3, 1916 and soon moved to Dallastown. He graduated from Lebanon Valley College. During World War II, he was employed in defense-related service at the York County Naval Ordinance Plant. He went on to a long career at American Chain and Cable, retiring as a metallurgist and engineer after more than thirty years of service. He was married to Helen (Miller) Raab for more than fifty years until her death in 2004. A voracious reader, who often consumed half a dozen books a week, Charlie Raab pursued interests ranging from opera to astrophysics. His knowledge of diverse subjects was remarkable. He never forgot anything he learned and in "pre-Google" days, family and friends could always turn to him for answers for even the most obscure questions. Another passion was Elderhostel, an adult lifelong learning program. His curiosity and love of learning led him to participate in 89 of the programs. Of this he was most proud. He is survived by three daughters; Suzanne Raab-Long and her husband, Ronald, Nancy Raab, all of Magnolia, Delaware, and Jane Gailey and her husband, Herman of Felton, Pennsylvania, three grandchildren, Benjamin Raab-Long, Elizabeth Powers, and Kim Gailey, and a great-granddaughter, Sydney Powers, one sister; Connie Raab Striebig of Dallastown. There will be a private memorial service for family members. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Martin Library, 159 E. Market Street, York, Pa 17401. Life Tributes by Olewiler and Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc, 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion, is in charge of arrangements.