Ermete Joseph Raffaelli, age 81, of Reading, passed away on May 30, 2022 at the Wyomissing Nursing and Rehab after a 2 day stay and a 13 day stay at the Reading Hospital.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage.
Ermete was born in Reading on May 8, 1941, a son of the late Adorno and Elvina (Falasco) Raffaelli. He was a member of Holy Rosary Church in Reading.
Better known as "Raff", he graduated from Millersville State College with a teaching credential;
then post graduate degrees earned from Temple and Lehigh Universities in Administration. He taught for 32 years in the Reading School District at the elementary, junior and high school levels. He also served as a Vice Principal at the Vo-Tech school.
Upon retirement, he served as Itinerate Substitute Principal at all levels in the Reading School District for 18 more years. Always involved: while employed at RHS as a teacher, Raff served as designer and builder of sets for RHS musicals and the Stage Manager for 6 years; Key club advisor achieving alongside his students' project: "Pursuing Tomorrow's Potential" which was directed toward helping the handicapped.
Raff also taught night school in graphic arts and photography. He was also a Concession Operator at the Geigle Complex for basketball and wrestling events.
Raff was active in many organizations including the Reading Planning Commission for 32 years, serving many years as its chairman; member of the Reading Hose Fire Co., serving as president for many years. He also drove ambulance for the "Hose" and was a Fire Inspector for the Fire Dept. of Reading. He received the Fireman of the Year Award in 1991.
Raff was a lifetime member of Victor Emmanuel II Beneficial Society, actively serving as a Board member. He volunteered on numerous projects at the South Mountain YMCA in Wernersville, Pa.
Among many certificates of accomplishments was in recognition of Voting for more than 50 consecutive years in the PA. Primary and General elections, thus being inducted into the Pa. Voter Hall of Fame.
Proud of his Italian heritage, he enjoyed traveling the globe with his wife especially to Italy, to be immersed in the Italian language (which he spoke fluently) and culture with remaining family and friends in the Tuscan region of Italy.
In celebration of a life well lived, a memorial service will be offered in the Bynden Wood Lodge located on top of South Mountain YMCA, Wernersville, PA on Saturday June 25th at 1 PM.
As expressed by a number of South Mountain YMCA Camp members to Raff's Legacy:
Commitment to Character
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments
While others stay awake and do them."
Raff indeed epitomized the following statement:
"What we do for ourselves dies with us.
What we do for others lives and the world remains and is immortal." - Albert Pine (1851)
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160.
