John Rae

Obituary of John R Rae

John Robert (Bob) Rae passed away peacefully on January 25, 2016 in Wantagh, Long Island, New York at age 86. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Helen and their beloved dog Duffy; his children, Judy (Brian) Manning, Bob (Kathy) Rae, and Brad (Mona) Rae; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Arlene Paling and her family; sister-in-law, Micki (Mike) Iannone, nieces, nephews and his extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mabel; his first wife and mother of his children, Gwendolyn; and his son, Richard (2008). Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on October 7, 1929, Bob always claimed that his birth at the time of the infamous stock market crash allowed him to make a grand entrance. Bob grew up working in the family store, Rae’s Jewellery on Jasper Ave in Edmonton. During his Oliver School years, he attended Air Cadets acquiring a strong respect for Canada’s Military. He also developed a love of theatre and sang in many Veteran Homes after WW II with the Edmonton Variety Group. This led to working with the Light Opera of Edmonton and acting in many musicals including Kiss Me Kate, Brigadoon, Sound of Music, Promises-Promises, and West Side Story. In 1955 Bob started his 32 career with New York Life Insurance. Bob would remember to call each of his clients on their birthday and tell them at least one of his latest jokes. He also had the local Radio Station announce his clients birthdays as well. Bob moved to Wantagh in 1987 to marry Helen and enjoy his retirement years. His Family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 27 from 2-5p & 7-9p at the Chrales J. O'Shea Funeral Home at 603 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh (SSP exit 28N) NY. A service to commemorate his life will be held at the funeral home at 10:30 am on Thursday with burial to follow at St. Charles cemetery in Farmingdale, NY.
Wednesday
27
January

Visitation at Funeral Home

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Charles J. O'Shea Funeral Homes, Inc.
603 Wantagh Ave.
Wantagh, New York, United States
Wednesday
27
January

Visitation

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Charles J. O'Shea Funeral Homes, Inc.
603 Wantagh Ave.
Wantagh, New York, United States
Thursday
28
January

Funeral Service

10:30 am
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Charles J. O'Shea Funeral Homes, Inc.
603 Wantagh Ave.
Wantagh, New York, United States

Final Resting Place

St. Charles Cemetery
1 Conklin St
Farmingdale, New York, United States
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