Rudolph Raphelson, a long-time resident of Marple Township Pa., died June 13 at the Broomall Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He was 98.
Mr. Raphelson — who served in the Army Air Corps in New Guinea and the Philippines during World War II — was instrumental in organizing color guards for graveside services for Delaware County veterans as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7390 of Broomall where he served eight years as its commander.
As membership of the post declined due to deaths he had the post join in 1998 with The Gen. Smedley D. Butler Detachment of the Marine Corps League to continue providing the services. Mr. Raphelson was a participant in them until about two years ago.
Mr. Raphelson worked at the Pennsylvania Bureau of Employment Security eventually becoming manager of the bureau’s office on Woodland Avenue in West Philadelphia.
He met his wife, Helen, on the job and they retired on the same day in 1973. Mrs. Raphelson died in March.
Mr. Raphelson is survived by a brother, Morton; a nephew, Bruce and nieces Bernice Gelfont, Harriet Rudolph, Nancy Bush and Jean Piacentini.
A graveside service with military honors was held today, June 16, at Har Jehuda Cemetery in Upper Darby.
I knew Rudy for close to 30 years. God never made a kinder and gentle human. I wasn’t aware of the graveside service or I would have attended. He had a special place in his heart for fellow veterans.
I will salute our flag tomorrow morning and say a special prayer for him tonight.