Christopher K. "Otis" Raible

1972 - 08

Marine Corps Lt. Col. Christopher K. "Otis" Raible, 40, formerly of North Huntingdon, stationed in Yuma, Ariz., was killed in action Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, leading a counter attack against enemy forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province Afghanistan. He was born Aug. 18, 1972, in McKeesport, a son of Alvin C. and Kim Piotrowski Raible, of North Huntingdon. Christopher began his military career as an AV8 Harrier fighter pilot and went on to become commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron 211 Avengers (VMA-211). He received numerous military honors including Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and will be a recipient of the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, Combat Action Ribbon and an Air Medal with Strike 15 Award. Christopher was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. He was a graduate of Norwin High School, class of 1990, graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in civil engineering, class of 1995. He enjoyed golf and was an avid Steelers, Penguins and Pirates fan. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Thomas and Dorothy Raible; and maternal grandfather, Julius Piotrowski. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his maternal grandmother, Belvina "Grace" Piotrowski, of McKeesport; his wife, Donella Tanner Raible; three children, Catherine, Allison and Brian, all at home; and one sister, Lona L. Bosley and her husband, Dennis, and their children, Lauren, Matthew and Jacob. Visitation was held Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, at the DeMAINE FUNERAL HOME in Springfield, Va. A public memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at Norwin Senior High School. Public burial was Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Christopher K. Raible Scholarship Fund, c/o S and T Bank, Irwin, PA 15642. Online condolences may be given at http://www.shirleyfuneralhome.com. Body: