ROBERT RAPHAEL
1922 - 2019
ROBERT RAPHAEL
1922 - 2019
Obituary
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ROBERT RAPHAEL Obituary
Born in 1922 in New York City during his family's brief foray away from Pittsburgh, Robert Raphael returned to Pittsburgh as a young child and remained a resident of his beloved City for the remainder of his life. Robert graduated from Allderdice High School at the age of 16, and worked at Levinson Steel before enlisting in the United States Army Air Corps on December 6, 1942. He went on to fly 35 missions over the Europe as a Navigator on a B-17 in the 463d Bomb Group, stationed in Foggia, Italy. Robert graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1948, and from the Law School in 1950, eventually becoming the President of the Allegheny County Bar Association in 1973, and then the President of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, Vice President of the national arm of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and President of the Pennsylvania chapter. Colloquially, he was known as the "father of divorce law," leading the reform of divorce law in Pennsylvania. His wife, Phyllis (nee Rubinstein) joined him in practice in 1977. After Phyllis' death in 1988, he married Gail Sanger. He never saw the irony of being the most happily married divorce lawyer in America, twice. Robert doted on his daughters, Edith and Lauren Raphael and shared his perpetual optimism and positivity with his grandchildren, Parker and Naomi Brotman, Sophie Raphael, and Maya Herron; and step-grand-children, Seth and Alec Rill, Ethan and Laighton Shamash, and Asher Shamash. With his large heart he embraced his three step-children, Lori (Sean Rill), Mark Shamash (Elisa Rhodehamel), and Todd Shamash (Erika); and adored his son-in-law, Russ Herron and former son-in-law, Daniel Brotman. He was the cherished uncle Bob to Eric (Lois) and the late Nathan Raphael, Jody Gan (Michael), Albert Costilo (Karen), and their children. Services at Rodef Shalom Temple, 4905 Fifth Avenue (at Morewood) on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Visitation one hour prior to services at Temple (10 - 11 a.m.). Interment Temple Sinai Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to The Robert Raphael Scholarship Fund by sending a check to the University of Pittsburgh School of Law with a memo "Robert Raphael Fund". Attention Lauren Wiater, 3900 Forbes Ave., 218 Barco Law Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Arrangements entrusted to RALPH SCHUGAR CHAPEL, INC., family owned and operated.
www.schugar.com
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Sigrid Cleland
January 10, 2020
His good humor and kindness is still missed. I am thinking of you, Gail, at this time of year.
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation
January 16, 2019
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, clergy, lay leaders and members offer their condolences to the family of Robert Raphael. We hope that you are comforted by warm memories and support of family, friends and community.May Robert's memory be forever a blessing.
January 15, 2019
Gail, Edith, Lauren, and family,
Bob was a part of my youth as my Dad's attorney and friend. His warmth and affection drew people to him. On behalf of my late parents, Jack and Sara Gordon, Allan and I extend our genuine
sympathy and sadness to all of you. Ruth Gordon Schachter
January 15, 2019
Bill and Sigi Cleland express their sincere condolences. Gail, we are so sorry for your loss.
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Home Instead Senior Care
January 15, 2019
Gail & Family-
We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Raphael was very much loved. Keep telling the stories of his amazing life !
January 15, 2019
Dear Gayle, Edith and Lauren, what a beautiful obit and so true. Bob was a wonderful man and human being. Arthur and I were responsible for his marriage to Phyllis and my roomate ay PSU. We loved Phyllia and love Gail What a lucky man two remarkable wives. Edith and Laure, you were wonderful and loving daughters. I loved Bob and will miss him I am so sorry I will not be with all of you for the funeral due to not being well. My deepest sympathy Love Leslie
Tom Mulroy
January 15, 2019
The obituary is so beautifully written and really captured the optimism and joy that Bob shared with the world. Like many others he graciously offered to mentor me as a young lawyer and I was lucky enough to call him my friend for many years. How've lucky we all were to know him.
Tom Mulroy
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5509 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
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