Robert W. Rader
February 15, 1938 ~ December 25, 2008
Meriden - Robert W. Rader, beloved husband of 42 years of Janet Gai Rader died on Thursday, December 25 at home with his family by his side. He was born February 15, 1938 in Meriden a son of the late Elmer and Helen (Haugh) Rader. He graduated from Meriden High School in 1956, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College and his Bachelor of Science and Master's Degree from the University of Conn. He retired as the Principal Purchasing Officer of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies and Equipment for the State of CT. He always pursued his love of Pharmacy and helping others by working part time in several local pharmacies, including Berlin Pharmacy, Shop Rite, Graeber's and most recently CVS. Robert was active in many professional organizations including the CT Pharmaceutical Association, American Pharmaceutical Assoc., Past President of the Meriden, Southington, Wallingford Pharmaceutical Assoc., a member of the American Assoc. of Advancement for Science and was Secretary Vice Chair of the Committee E41 on Lab equipment and apparatus for the ASTM and ISO tag unit 48. He was also an Associate Board Member of the Board of Governors of Shriners Hospital in MA, Past Potentate 2003 Sphinx Shriners in Newington, member of the Masonic Meridian Lodge, Scottish Rite, Life member of Sphinx Shriners Motor Patrol, life member of the Sphinx Shriners, President sphinx Shriners Cabiri, a member of Arabian Shrine Club, Caravan Shrine Club, the Royal Order of Jesters, a charter member of the 'Q', UConn Alumnae life member and past president of the Benjamin Franklin School PTA. Robert loved the First Congregational Church and was past Co-Chair of the Music Committee and a member of the church Hand Bell Choir. His love of music spanned his lifetime. He played many instruments including the piano and organ for local churches and for several dance bands. He even appeared with the Continentals on the Original Ted Mack Amateur hour. He loved his family and friends and was a wonderful father and husband. He was kind and generous with a great sense of humor. He genuinely appreciated all who supported him throughout his difficult battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He had hope of receiving a lung transplant and hopes research and technology will help others. In addition to his wife Janet he is survived by a son Russell W. Rader of West Hartford and a daughter Dr. Laura A. Rader of Mamaroneck, New York. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 62 Colony St., Meriden. The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Clarke will officiate. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations in Robert's memory may be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104, or to the Music Program, First Congregational Church, 62 Colony St., Meriden, CT 06451. The Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden is in charge of the arrangements.
Bob was a respected, courageous and admired Christian gentleman that was an outstanding example of the values he embraced. Please accept our sympathy at this time.
Bob will be missed. Our memories and photos will remind us of our good and friendly contacts with Bob during the last several years.
Dear Gai, I write with my deepest condolences to hear of Bob’s passing. You both mean so much to my parents, and you have been friends to my growing family as well. I am glad of the many years of enjoyment that you and Bob have been able to share with my parents. I wish you the very best and will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Dear Janet and family, our deepest condolences on the passing of Bob. Although we did not get to know you all that well, we will always remember how nice and welcoming both you and Bob were to us when I joined the Sphinx Shrine, and every time we met after that. Our prayers are with you and Bob. Connie and Rick Smith
Dear Janet We are so sorry to hear about Bob. Bill and I are so glad we got to see you both in the fall I know Bob enjoyed seeing everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time .
Dear Janet, Russ and Laura, Our deepest sympathies go out to all of you. Bob was a wonderful man and it was a pleasure to know him and an honor to work beside him at Sphinx Shrine. Our love and prayers are with you. Rich and Liz Marshall
Dear Mrs.Radar and Family, Please accept my condolences in your loss of Bob. I worked with Bob at Purchaasing and know what a great guy he was. Last time I saw him was an A&R Retiree meeting and we had a long talk about his illnes. I had hoped for his recovery.My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Gai and family: Our deepest condolences. Bob was a key figure on our MHS ’56 reunion committee and the success of recent events was due to a large part on Bob’s pivotal contributions. We’re going to miss him; we already do.
Gai I was so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. As you know, our association goes back to earliest childhood having all grown up in the same neighborhood. It was nice getting reaquainted at the class reunions. May God grant you strength, comfort and peace especially during these difficult days. With deepest sympathy,
Gai, Russell and Laura, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this season and time of loss. Bob was such a special and unique person – always smiling, always encouraging, always positive and with a great sense of humor. I will miss him and his jokes during our bell rehearsals. But I know he is now no longer in pain. He got his wish to be home with you all for Christmas. Know that Bob was an incredible source of encouragement for me in more ways than I am sure he knew. Please let me know if there is anything you need. Peace to Bob’s memory and rest for his spirit.
Gai, We were very sorry to hear about Bob. Please accept our deepest sympathy at what we know is a very difficult time for you.
Gai,Laura and Russ, Pls accept the Pellegrino’s family sympathy and condolencies at Bob’s passing. You and the whole community have suffered the unforunate loss of a good, caring and giving person. Bob and I grew up together, and have known each other ever since, frequently seeing each other at the pharmacy and chatting when we did.When you know someone for 60 years, you give pause at the loss of a good man.
It is with a deep heart that we have to send such a message of condolence, but Bob will always be remembered by us. Our prayers go out to you Janet and your children. Niavalene & Dave
J. Gai, My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your husband. I will keep you & your family in my thoughts and prayers. Hope to see you in June at our reunion. Love, Nancy (Johnson) Carlson
Janet: We are praying for you and your family during this time of sadness. We too will miss Bob – he was a kind and gentle man. So glad we got to know him.
Laura and family, My sincere condolescences to you all. I pray God will give you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Allow yourself time to grieve, to remember beautiful memories, and to fully realize that your Dad is indeed with you. No words can take the pain you feel now, just know however that there are friends who care and will pray for you. May God hold each of you in His arms and tenderly care for you in the days ahead. God bless, Louella Spinelli
Mrs. Rader, Russ, & Laura, My deepest symapthy and condolences on hearing about the loss of your husband and dad, Robert. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time of grieving, may god bless Robert and your entire family. With deepest sympathy,
Our deepest condolences to you, Janet, and Laura. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time and always.
Russ, I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sandra
Russ, I was sorry to hear the news of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Russ, I was very sorry to learn about your Dad. I’ve been keeping a good thought for you since I saw you earlier this month. God Bless you and your family; your Dad was quite a guy.
Russell and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With the blessings of: FAITH, HOPE,and CHARITY….I’ll always remember and cherish. Hang in there. .Mr.. Ed Hull