William J. Raab

William J. Raab, age 91 of Meadville, PA passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday evening, April 8, 2014. William was born December 16, 1922 in Franklin, PA, the son of the late Joseph J. and Anna Marie Brennan Raab. He married Harriet Lucille Thomas on September 8, 1942. She preceded him in death on December 11, 2000. He was a graduate of Meadville High School. He served in the United States Army in the European Theatre during World War II, attaining the rank of First Sergeant. After his military service he owned and operated Bill's Red and White Grocery Store in Meadville until his retirement. He was a member of the St. Agatha Church, Meadville, PA. He enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles, fishing, traveling, camping and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was a loving and devoted father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by four daughters; Marjorie Peters and her husband, William of Meadville, PA, Mary Grill and her husband, John of Meadville, PA, Polly Harrison and her husband, Edward of Warren, Ohio and Kathleen Fitzsimmons and her husband, Shawn of Meadville, PA, four sons; William A. Raab and his wife, Janine of East Greenville, PA, John T. Raab of San Diego, California, Matthew Raab and his wife, Karen of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Joseph J. Raab of Meadville, PA, 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and beloved wife of 58 years, Harriet, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Marie Firster, Josephine Raab, Geraldine Randolph and Joan Raab. Family and friends may call on Friday from 7 to 9 PM at the Hatheway-Tedesco Funeral Home & Crematory, 614 Baldwin Street, Meadville, PA. A Vigil Prayer service will be held at 8:00 PM on Friday evening at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 1:00 PM at St. Agatha Church, 363 Pine Street, Meadville, PA celebrated by Father Marc Solomon, of St. Mary of Grace Church. He will be laid to rest next to his wife, in St. Brigid Cemetery, West Mead Township, with Full Military Honors conducted by VFW Post 2006. Memorials can be made to St. Agatha Church, 353 Pine Street, Meadville, PA 16335 Please sign the online guestbook at hatheway-tedesco.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hatheway-Tedesco Funeral Home & Crematory, 614 Baldwin Street, Meadville, PA 16335