Peter Rakay

Rakay, Peter Joseph "Pete"

Peter ("Pete") Joseph Rakay, a devoted father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, and respected attorney, passed away peacefully at home on August 21, 2025, in Vandalia, Ohio, at the age of 82. Pete was born on June 7, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Shadyside, Ohio. Pete was the cherished son of the late Al Rakay and Mathilde "Miki" Rakay. Pete graduated from Oberlin College and received his law degree from The Ohio State University.

Pete's dedication to and love for his family and friends was boundless. He is remembered with love by his beloved daughters, Julie (Neal Deodhar) Rakay and Laura (Phil Yosafat) Rakay, and his treasured grandchildren, Jacob (Helena) Hall, Alexander Hall, Joshua Bogen, Kaitlin Deodhar, and Sara Deodhar, and his beloved brother and sister, Bruce (Pam Shackley) Rakay and Jane Rakay (James Nelson) Nelson. Pete also leaves behind his beloved niece and nephews Adam (Nicole) Nelson, Nathan (Francis) Rakay, and Caitlin Rakay, his grandnieces and grandnephew Emma, Owen, and Hadley Nelson, his long time girlfriend Kay Piper, his honorary grandson Sean Ford, and Susan Rakay, Laura and Julie's mother. Pete was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved nephew Nicholas Cooper.

Pete dedicated over 40 years to advocating for workers' rights as a labor union attorney in Dayton, Ohio. His commitment to justice and equity left a lasting impression on those he served and worked alongside throughout his distinguished career. Pete also had a lifelong passion for sports and was a talented multi-sport athlete from a young age, continuing to play softball into his later years and enjoying a new pastime of pickleball in his 70s. Pete was a devoted fan of many sports teams, ranging from his grandsons' little league teams to professional sports teams and everything in between. Pete also coached multiple youth sports teams for decades, including coaching his own daughters and grandsons.

Pete will be missed by many dear friends from grade school through adulthood, with whom he maintained close relationships whether in person or by phone. Pete, who was called "Rak" by some of his friends, was the ultimate people person with an unending interest in everyone's story, forming friendships and special connections everywhere he went. Often described as larger than life, Pete was known for his deep, strong voice, his sense of humor, and his incredible encyclopedic memory, never forgetting a name, a birthday, or a phone number. He had affectionate and apt nicknames for many of his friends and family members. Pete considered many of his close lifelong friends to be his brothers. The family would like to express special gratitude to Russell Muntz and Michael Salupo for their support.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday August 25th, 2025 from 11 AM to 12 PM at the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Home, Shadyside Chapel, located at 3900 Central Avenue, Shadyside, Ohio. A service will follow at 12 PM with Rabbi Joshua Leif. Interment immediately afterward at the Jewish Winding Hill Cemetery in Bellaire, Ohio, where Pete will be laid to rest beside his grandfather Dr. Nathan Miller.

Pete will be fondly remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family and friends and for his positive impact on other people. He stayed true to his values and continued in his unselfish concern for others throughout his lifetime. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

A subsequent Celebration of Life will be held in Dayton, Ohio in the near future. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pete's name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami Valley, 22 South Jefferson Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402, where Pete was a volunteer Big Brother in the 1970s.