Obituary of Robert Raddatz

BETHANY - Robert W. Raddatz, 86, passed away June 24, 2012 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was born in Chicago, IL, October 21, 1925 one of five children. His wife Jean of 55 years is deceased, as well as his parents and four siblings. He is survived by seven children: Leslie, Rob, Lowrie, Royce, Will, Randy and Wendell, residing in various states, his sisters-in law, eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Upon early graduation from high school in 1943, he volunteered for the U.S. Army. After basic training in the 106th Infantry Division he served in the European Theater of World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service and four battle stars, including the Battle of the Bulge. Upon discharge, he entered Valparaiso University in Indiana. While there he was appointed Editor-In-Chief of the college newspaper, the TORCH, and was voted President of his local fraternity, and met and married his wife (Jean). He was employed by Ford and Chrysler in Detroit before moving to Connecticut. He was employed by Winchester Western Division of Olin as Manager of Financial Analysis, then Director of Government Sales, then as Vice President of Product Planning and Programming. He became a self-employed Management Consultant specializing in financial problems and ultimately in aiding companies in exiting from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, including, locally, U.S. Repeating Arms, Arnold Peck Realty and Milford Rivet. His life was one of volunteering: to his church, where he sang bass wherever he resided, and accompanied his wife in arranging many coffee hours; to his community, where he served on the Bethany Board of Education for eight years, six of them as Chairman, one term as Town Treasurer, and for several years as Moderator at Town Meetings. He enjoyed playing card games, including pinochle, hearts, concentration, and especially bridge in his later years with his buddies from church. His family would like to express their thanks for the excellent nursing care he received at The Willows in Woodbridge for the last eight plus years of his life. Arrangements - Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2012 10 a.m. at Cheshire Lutheran Church, 660 West Main St. Cheshire. Burial will take place in Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park next to his wife Jean at a later date. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St.