Ruth Raphel, a co-founder of the Atlantic City shopping center Gordon's Alley and of the marketing and consulting firm Raphel Marketing, died October 25, 2023 in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. She was 94.
Ruth was born on July 20, 1929, in
Pasadena, California, but spent almost all her life in
Atlantic City, New Jersey. Her parents, Herman and Jean Dichter, owned a small hotel in Atlantic City.
Ruth was a partner in business with her husband, Murray Raphel, and her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Milton Gordon. The four partners developed Gordon's Alley, which was honored with the Albert Gallatin Award as one of the three outstanding small businesses in America. Together Ruth and Murray embarked on a second career with Murray as an international marketing speaker and Ruth as his business agent. Ruth was honored to be inducted in 2021 into the Atlantic County Women's Hall of Fame for her contributions to business.
In addition to her business career, Ruth was a loving wife, mother, and aunt in the Raphel-Gordon family. Ruth was predeceased in 2019 by her husband, Murray Raphel, and in 2017 by her daughter Caren Franzini.
Ruth is survived by her son, Neil Raphel, and his wife, Janis Raye, of
St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and her daughter Paula Crowley and her husband, Jack Crowley, of
Wayne, Pennsylvania. Ruth is also survived by her son-in-law John Franzini; eight grandchildren: Bennett Raphel, Adrienne Raphel, David Crowley, William Crowley, Caroline Crowley, Anna Franzini, Samuel Franzini, and Sarah Franzini; and six great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be given to: Women's Way in Philadelphia/
Alzheimer's Association.
Services and burial will be private.
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