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BORN
1936
DIED
2021
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Richard Rabe Obituary
October 1, 1936 - January 30, 2021
Richard "Dick" Walter Rabe, 84, of Charlottesville, died on Saturday, January 30, 2021, from complications of Covid.
He was born on October 1, 1936 in Elgin, Illinois the son of Walter George Rabe and Edith Marie Spicer Rabe. Walter Rabe was employed by Acme Visible Records and the family moved to Charlottesville when the company relocated to Crozet, Va. His faith was important to him and he was a lifelong member of St. Mark Lutheran Church.
Dad had a love of music and played saxophone in a local band, The Cavaliers, and with the Charlottesville Municipal Band. He also produced 'Christmas at the USO' shows for several years, donating proceeds to local charities.
He was employed by Acme Visible Records for many years and then worked for Charlottesville Broadcast Corporation as financial manager where he enjoyed driving his Jeep during winter weather events and giving on air road reports for WINA as 'The Road Ranger'.
For several seasons, he was the statistician for the radio broadcasts of the UVA basketball games, and had a deep friendship with Warren Swain who announced the games. He was an avid fan of UVA baseball, held season tickets and rarely missed a game. He was a long-time supporter of Little League baseball.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Gayle Fitzhugh Rabe; his brother, Marvin Lee Rabe of Richmond; and his children, Katherine Rabe (Steve Hutchinson) of Free Union, Va., Gwen Turner (Jeff) of Roanoke, Va., Cameron Rabe (Ilyse Simon) of Red Hook, N.Y., Paul Rabe of Richmond, Va., and David Rabe (Kasey) of Gordonsville, Va. He is also survived by six grandchildren, a soon-to-come grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks everyone who has supported us with love, prayers and words of encouragement through this difficult time. Your support has been a comfort to us. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at UVA Medical Center and the Hospice of the Piedmont for their compassionate care of our father.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions if desired may be sent to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451 or to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Rabe
Larry Garrison
January 25, 2025
Played with Dick at Lane and in Municipal Band. Admired by all. RIP
Bill Strickland
January 25, 2025
It´s this middle of January 2025. We have recently endured heavy snowfall. Dick would have been zipping around the county in his Jeep reporting on road conditions in an effort to provide safety and security to his listeners. We miss you Dick!
Scotty Johnson
February 27, 2021
So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I worked with him at WINA in the late 80s/early 90s, and remember him as a truly professional guy who got more excited by numbers than anyone I knew. I also have lots of good memories from the times he drove Swain, me, and and the whole radio crew to away football games. COVID has claimed another truly good man. My prayers are with you all.
Sandy Wisco
February 16, 2021
Dear Gayle and family,
I'm sending heartfelt condolences to you for the passing of Dick, a kind and generous person of faith. May God's love give you a feeling of peace and comfort in sad times.
in Christ, Sandy
Cameron Rabe
February 12, 2021
Thank you to all who have shared your memories here. So many facets of Dad's life are represented in your words. He would have enjoyed reminiscing with you, Your expressions of sympathy and support are a comfort to us.
Sincerely,
The Rabe family
Beverly Martyn
February 5, 2021
David,
So sorry for you and your family´s loss. Sending prayers to all during this difficult time.
Jimmy Locke
February 1, 2021
Dear Gayle and family; I am so very sorry for your loss. Dick was a kind, talented, funny and a true gentleman. I miss the good times we had working together on "Christmas At The USO." You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Ballard
February 1, 2021
Gayle and family, so very sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I remember so fondly the years of you and Dick with the Lions Club shows and the beautiful music all of you provided. Please know that the Ballard family have you and the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca Fisher
January 31, 2021
Kathy and Steve -
I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I recall you speaking so fondly of him. Know that I am thinking of you.
Harold & Brenda Bickley.
January 31, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Lynn and Frank Nave
January 31, 2021
Gwen, we were saddened to hear of the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Mollie W Bishop & Family
January 31, 2021
My condolences David on the loss of your dad. May God give you the strength to get through this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family always. Love you so much and Justin and I are hear for you always.
Bill Strickland
January 31, 2021
Of his many contributions to our community, I met Dick through Lane League baseball. When people like Dave give their time and energy to the community, it raises the value of such organizations, and it should be validated. Dave gave so much to so many! Thank you, sir, I hope many others will follow your lead.
Tomma Todd
January 31, 2021
Kathy, Gwen, Cameron, Paul, Gayle and the rest of the family,
So sorry to hear of Mr. Rabe´s passing. He was always a wonderful neighbor in Carrsbrook. I remember going to the municipal band concerts with him when we were kids. I have run into him and Gayle over the years and he always spoke. You have my deepest sympathy.
Linda Bowen
January 31, 2021
So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. Had the privilege of serving with him on the Lane Babe Ruth Board of Directors. May he rest in peace.
Larry Garrison
January 31, 2021
Played with Dick in Municipal Band. So sorry to hear of his passing.
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Hill & Wood Funeral Service - Charlottesville201 N. First Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
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