Lawrence Raffel

Lawrence Raffel passed away in the early morning of December 19, 2025, at the age of 52, following a long and difficult fight after a devastating stroke in May. 

Lawrence was a kind and generous person, he showed up for people in practical, meaningful ways and never made a fuss about it.

An introvert who didn’t realize how charming he could be, Lawrence had a dry, understated sense of humor that his son proudly inherited. He disliked small talk, mandatory fun, and any kind of forced or fake socializing, but for the people he cared about, he always showed up. This included volunteering at civic association events—usually because of Melissa’s involvement and often because he had been “voluntold.”

Lawrence was fortunate to have a close group of great friends, and those who knew him were just as lucky to have been part of his life.

Lawrence loved movies—especially horror—and had a particular fondness for Halloween. He also cherished the family’s annual weeklong vacation to Knoebels, a tradition filled with low-key fun, amazing snacks and so many crane machines.

Above all, Lawrence loved his family and found his greatest happiness in being with them. He will be remembered for his kindness, his dry wit, and the genuine way he moved through the world—and he would probably prefer we stop talking about him now.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Melissa; his son, Max; his mother, Connie; and his sister, Julie.

Relatives and Friends are invited to services on Sunday December 21st, 10:30AM at Temple Sholom in Broomall, 55 Church Lane, Broomall, PA 19008. Interment to follow at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union aclu.org

www.levinefuneral.com