Joseph James Raab
January 3, 1960 ~ February 28, 2017
MEADVILLE - Joseph James Raab, 57, of Meadville, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on January 3, 1960, in Meadville, PA, son of the late William and Harriet Thomas Raab.
Joe graduated from Meadville High School in 1978, after school, he worked as an environmental well driller, shipping manager, maintenance foreman, and commercial truck driver.
Joe enjoyed fishing, being a Pittsburgh Steeler fan and an avid viewer of Fox News. One of his biggest accomplishments was being an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, and celebrating 7 years of sobriety. Joe's greatest joy came from spending time with his family.
Survivors include his son, J.J. Raab of Butler, PA; the love of his life, Carol Katulich, of Butler, PA; four sisters, Marjorie Peters and her husband Bill of Meadville; Mary Grill and her husband John of Meadville; Polly Harrison and her husband Ed of Warren, OH; and Kathleen Fitzsimmons of Meadville; three brothers, William Raab and his wife Nina of East Greenville, PA; John Raab of San Diego, CA; and Matthew "Skip" Raab and his wife Karen of Phillipsburg, NJ; also, several nieces and nephews and many close friends.
Joe was preceeded in death by his parents, William and Harriet Raab.
Friends and family are invited to call the Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 544 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335 on Friday, March 3, 2017 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., a prayer vigil service will be at 7:30 P.M.. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, at St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church, 353 Pine Street, Meadville, PA 16335 at 10:00 A.M.
Burial will take place at St. Brigid Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Joe's name to the Salvation Army, 1087 Park Ave, Meadville, PA 16335.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Joe's Book of Memories at www.warrenfh.com
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Carol,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are too young to lose a husband and your son is too young to lose a father. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Joey was one on my first friends in life – we were neighbors during pre-school and elementary school – and possibly the sweetest boy in Meadville. He remained so through high school. Encounters with him always left me smiling.
I am unable to pay my respects on Friday, but I’m living in Meadville and if you ever want to get together to talk or walk I’m in the book.
Much love to your entire family,
Kelly Gunn
To my “other” Meadville family. I am so saddened to hear about the loss of Joey. Losing a sibling sucks. And for such a beautiful, loving, awesome family like yours….I know your hearts are broken. Please know that my family and I are thinking about you and sending lots of love and hugs and prayers. I don’t know what I would have done without all of you growing up. I love you all.
Love, Bev “Trice”
Joe was a great neighbor and friend. Some of my best memories were chatting from our front porches on sunny weekend mornings. He will be greatly missed.
I met Joe over 4 years ago in the rooms and it was truly an honor and a privilege for me to share time and space with him. Joe had the natural ability to help people not take themselves or life too seriously. He was quick with a joke and his ever present smile certainly brightened any room he was in. He will be missed, most assuredly, but he will continue to impact us all with his memory & the gift of his friendship, which he so easily & joyfully shared with so many. Rest easy, my friend.
I knew Joe through treating him years ago and it was wonderful seeing him gain recovery! He had a great personality and was fun to talk to. It was a real plus to have him come and speak to others struggling to gain their own recovery. He always stopped to talk to us nurses when he was in the hospital for a meeting. He will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss.
To the Raab Family
Being in the neighborhood with all the Raab’s brings so many memories. I will never forget the Red and White store with Ma and Pa!! Also sharing good times with all the siblings. I offer my sincere condolences to the entire family. Cherish the memories. Love, Shirley Costa Callan