Robert Raphael

RAPHAEL: Robert Raphael. Born in 1922 in New York City during his family’s brief foray away from Pittsburgh, Robert Raphael returned to Pittsburgh as a young child and remained a resident of his beloved city for the remainder of his life. Robert graduated from Allderdice High School at the age of 16, and worked at Levinson Steel before enlisting in the United States Army Air Corps on December 6, 1942. He went on to fly 35 missions over Europe as a navigator on a B-17 in the 463d Bomb Group, stationed in Foggia, Italy. Robert graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1948, and from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1950, eventually becoming the president of the Allegheny County Bar Association in 1973, and then the president of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, vice president of the national arm of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and president of the Pennsylvania chapter. Colloquially, he was known as the “father of divorce law,” leading the reform of divorce law in Pennsylvania. His wife, Phyllis (nee Rubinstein) joined him in practice in 1977. After Phyllis’ death in 1988, he married Gail Sanger. He never saw the irony of being the most happily married divorce lawyer in America — twice. Robert doted on his daughters, Edith and Lauren Raphael and shared his perpetual optimism and positivity with his grandchildren Parker and Naomi Brotman, Sophie Raphael and Maya Herron and step-grandchildren Seth and Alec Rill, Ethan and Laighton Shamash and Asher Shamash. With his large heart he embraced his three step-children — Lori (Sean Rill), Mark Shamash (Elisa Rhodehamel) and Todd Shamash (Erika) and adored his son-in-law, Russ Herron and former son-in-law, Daniel Brotman. He was the cherished Uncle Bob to Eric (Lois) and the late Nathan Raphael, Jody Gan (Michael), Albert Costilo (Karen) and their children. Services at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue (at Morewood) on Wednesday at 11 am. Visitation one hour prior to services at Temple (10 – 11 am). Interment Temple Sinai Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. schugar.com

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