Robert M. Raley

RALEY, ROBERT M., 73, of Aventura died tragically on Sept. 23rd. Born & raised in Flint, Michigan, Bob first moved to Miami Beach in 1957 where by day he led crews as a steelworker in the construction of landmark bridges & hotels. By night, he began a career in stage, screen, & television. His ingenuity and strong work ethic led to membership in the I.A.T.S.E. local, a permanent position at the Miami Beach Convention Center, and technical work on a myriad of commercials & films. Ultimately he became the Lighting Director for Jackie Gleason. He often was sent to exotic locations and found himself in the company of the famous and infamous. As a side-line in 1973, Bob established a neighborhood cocktail lounge which he renovated, reinvented, and operated until his death. Bob named it the Take One, a reference to his work in movies. During these years, Bob began to play tennis, and it quickly became his passion. Retiring in 1979 from the physically demanding stage work, he brought his family to Ormond Beach where he became involved in commercial real estate and created Theatrical Lighting and Sound. Eventually the family moved back to S. Florida in 1986 first living in Coral Springs. After moving to Williams Island in 1993, the Raleys joined the Spa where Bob could be found most afternoons. He spent his last years enjoying family and friends, managing his commercial properties, and overseeing the Take One with the able assistance of Manager, James Wright. Bob is survived by his precious loved ones, wife of 32 years, Karen, son, Robert (Lori) Raley of Plano, TX, daughters, Allison Shere and Mandy (Craig) Zaron., sister, Pat Tallman of Ormond Beach, uncle, John (Fran) Gardner of Sarasota, grandchildren, Jonathon, Michaela, Ryan, Julia Raley, Ella Rose Zaron, God-daughter, Ilana Baltuch, brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. Marc (Stephanie) Harr, Dr. David (Marianne) Harr, nieces and nephews, Cindy Jenkins (Dr. Ed Weisbart), Laurie (Joe) Bonk, Jason Harr, Angela (Lewis) Heaster, Andrew, Jennifer Harr, great- niece and nephews, Christopher, Gary, Debbie Bonk.Bob has touched so many lives and none without impact. His love, commitment to family, strength, integrity, and generous nature will live on through the lives he has influenced. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Temple Israel of Greater Miami, Feed the Homeless Fund, 137 NE 19th St., Miami. FL 33132Cryptside service Tuesday at 1:30pm at Beth David Memorial Gardens, 3201 N. 72nd Ave., Hollywood. (954) 963-2400. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.