Stephen J. Rauscher, 78, of Yardley, PA, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on December 27, 2025. Steve was born October 6th, 1947, in Philadelphia to Stephen and Clare (Appell) Rauscher.

He attended LaSalle College High School and later LaSalle University, graduating with a degree in Chemistry. He served in the United States Army from 1967-1970, where he was stationed in S. Korea in fire direction control.

Steve's 35-year career with Rohm & Haas Company took him and his family at first all over the United States and later, the world. He was a well-respected leader who was known for prioritizing workplace safety. He retired in 2008 and spent his retirement years learning woodworking, gardening, traveling with his wife, Nancy, and spending summers with his family in Sea Isle City, NJ. He loved to cook and was an avid reader.

He was a dedicated volunteer for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, where he helped organize the annual City to Shore bike ride fundraiser for many years. And he was on the board of the Philadelphia Academies, where he started the Biotech Program at Roxborough High School. His charity work was just one expression of his kind and generous nature, and he was never so happy as when he had the chance to help someone else or feed their soul with an impeccably prepared meal.

Steve is survived by his wife, Nancy, his children, Emily Zahajkewycz (Bohdan) and Stephen M. Rauscher, and his grandsons Ryan and Liam Zahajkewycz. He is also survived by his brother, William Rauscher, sisters Clare Marie Cosenza, JoAnne Ferello, Marita Geist, and Regina McLoud, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Christopher.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home located at 17 S. Delaware Avenue Yardley, PA 19067. Interment with military honors will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 11:30am at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery 830 Highland Road Newtown, PA 18940.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following organizations, both dear to Steve's heart:

Bike MS: City to Shore

Philadelphia Academies, Inc.

Condolences for the family can be left at www.fitzgeraldsommerfuneralhome.com.

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Barbara & Tom Archibald posted to the memorial.

January 1, 2026

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January 1, 2026

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Barbara & Tom Archibald

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Jeanne Day

January 1, 2026

To the Rauscher Family,
I was fortunate to work with Steve when he worked at the R&H Louisville Plant. He definitely showed interest in helping steer people in their careers. A group of us including Steve attended a conference in Philly. He gave us a wonderful walking tour with loads of history of the part of the city we were in. He was so genuine and friendly but professional when needed. I am grateful to have known him! Sorry for your loss.

Jim Murphy

January 1, 2026

Nancy and family, my deepest condolences. It was a privilege to call Steve a friend. As you know, he literally saved my life and prevented brain damage with CPR in Central Park 20 years ago. It is because of him that I have not only this memory, but any memory.

Elbert Prado

December 31, 2025

My condolences to the family.
A tough but fair boss who was so honest with me, helping me to understand what I needed to do to progress my career... and so I did!!
Funny memories about our trip in Spain where all our belongings were stolen so we needed to cut the trip short!!
Thanks Steve!! Forever grateful!!

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Kevin Rumbelow

December 31, 2025

Nancy and the Rauscher family, I am sad to hear about Steve's passing. Steve was one of many great leaders that had a huge impact on my career. Most notably was his support of my move (with my young family) from the UK to the USA on a "3-4 year assignment" - 30 years on and we are still here and have enjoyed ever minute. It amazes me how Steve (and others) had such a profound impact on my career and my life. For this I will always be very grateful. A great man! - Best wishes!

Daniel OLeary

December 31, 2025

I knew Steve from his early days at R&H in the good old Burg where we got to know each other and became friends. Steve and I stayed in touch as he moved around for R&H and I remained rooted in the Delaware Valley. We reunited when he came to home office and I had the great pleasure to work with and for him on a project called MRPII which became very successful within R&H. He was an extremely intelligent and quite witty man who rightfully rose in the ranks in R&H. We remained friends until I retired from R&H in 2003. Unfortunately after that we lost touch. He was one of the finest people I have ever met in my life and I will never forget him. Rest in peace, my friend. Dan O'Leary

Grateful

December 31, 2025

Stephen,

Thank You for Your service to our country.

God Bless You!
God be with your family!

Sincerely,
A Grateful American

Michele Dorris

December 31, 2025

Dear Rauscher family- I am so sad to hear about Steve´s death. He had a large influence on my career first as an engineer in Rohm and Haas Plant and then again when I came back from a job in Mexico to work for him I a new global role. He had the uncanny ability to help all those who worked with him by giving just the right advice but helping to steer all of us collectively to make a great impact. He was truly a great leader but more importantly a great person who cared about many and supported their success. Sending condolences on loss of such a great person

Brenda Buchik

December 30, 2025

To Nancy and the Rauscher clan, Steve was a great man and I have him to thank for my career in many ways. I will miss him.

James Eagle

December 30, 2025

Steve was one of the greatest men I have ever had the pleaseure of meeting. I was once told that he said,"I have enough, and I have had enough!" True or not, I will always remember him for that. I hope he had enough and will rest peacefully. Those in his lineage should be proud to have come from an admirable man.

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Fitzgerald-Sommer Funeral Home - Yardley

17 S Delaware Ave, Yardley, PA 19067