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Morton Raphelson Obituary
AGE: 94 •
Morton Raphelson, a World War II veteran and a former engineer, died Saturday at age 94. He traveled the world as a U.S. Merchant Marine from 1943 until his honorable discharge in 1945. He earned a Bachelor's degree and a Masters degree in 1956 from Villanova University. During his time in the service, Raphelson worked as a Chief Radio Operator aboard several ships. He sailed all over the world, including to the United Kingdom, India and South America. While he was aboard the SS Pan Pennsylvania in April 1944, a torpedo from a German submarine struck the vessel just off the coast of Rhode Island. There were many causalities and only a handful of people survived. A ship manned by U.S. Coast Guard sailors picked up Raphelson and the other survivors, and sunk the German U-Boat. Raphelson recounted this experience for the book, Where Divers Dare: The Hunt for the Last U-Boat.
After attending college on the G.I. Bill, Raphelson began his career as an electrical engineer for the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and went on to serve 26 years at RCA in Camden, N.J. Born and raised during the Great Depression in Philadelphia, he married his wife, Helen, in September 1948 and later moved to Cinnaminson, N.J., where they raised four children. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, woodworking, drawing and stained glass, among other hobbies. He was a diehard fan of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Raphelson is predeceased by his son, Mark, and his wife, Helen. He is survived by two daughters, Nancy (John) Bush of Loudon, N.H., and Jean (Frank) Piacentini of Philadelphia, a son, Bruce (Terri) Raphelson of Haddonfield, N.J., five grandsons, Eric King, Kevin Bush, Jason Brugler, Christopher Brugler and Nicholas Piacentini, two granddaughters, Samantha and Meredith Raphelson, and six great grandchildren.
As per Mort's wishes, his body was donated to science. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation (pkdcure.org) or the Philadelphia Zoo (philadelphiazoo.org). To share your fondest memories of Mort, please visit www.givnishfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Morton Raphelson
Sponsored by Givnish Funeral Home - Cinnaminson.
6 Entries
Sandy Fusco
April 3, 2016
Terri, Bruce and girls, I am sadden to hear of the loss of your father and grandfather. May the Lord
guide all of you in the coming days as you mourn this great loss.
God Bless.
With deepest sympathy,
Sandy Fusco
Chris
April 1, 2016
Thoughts and prayers are with the Raphelson family in this time of sorrow.
Stephanie Flanigon
March 31, 2016
Prayers from the Flanigon family
Terri, Barry, Caitlin & John Caruso
March 31, 2016
BJ, Jean and Nancy, so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Your dad and mom were two of the nicest people. I can remember them knocking on the door the first day we moved in to see if we needed anything, and to welcome us to the neighborhood. Your dad has been a great neighbor and friend for 22 years. He was always there for good conversation, offering a helping hand, especially regarding gardening, or brightening my day with a bouquet of daffodils or roses. Rest easy now my friend. You will certainly be missed.
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Terri, Barry, Caitlin and John Caruso
March 31, 2016
BJ, Jean, Nancy and families, So very sorry to hear about your dad. He and your mother were wonder neighbors. I can still remember them greeting us on the first day we moved in. For 22 yrs now your dad has always been there: with conversation, concern, help when needed, and a friendly good day with a bouquet of daffodils or roses! Rest now my dear friend - you will be missed.
Michael Fennessy
March 30, 2016
You will be Missed Mr. Raphelson. This man has taught me more life lessons than I can count, parented me like a son and given me the gift of a life long best friend Bruce Raphelson. It was nice to speak with Bruce over the last few days and reminisce about Mr. Raphelson. You will be missed and rememberd. Rest in Peace Mort. Kudos on a life well Lived!!!
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