Henry “Hank” F. Raufer

“When you sing, you pray twice” – St. Augustine. There was never a question where Hank’s priorities were. He was blessed with a song in his heart, and was always looking to share it. Whether with the Cinnaminson Community Chorus, the Bereavement Choir at St. Peter’s or simply sitting around a camp fire he always knew the right tune for the occasion. With a tireless work ethic, he provided for his 11 children, and was always happy to provide a second home to their friends. But he loved his career as a metallurgical engineer, and it fueled his adventurous spirit. When the job gave him a chance to move his family to England, and later to Brazil he jumped at the opportunity. But no matter where he went, he always took with him his deep sense of faith. Always a devout Catholic, the church was always central to his existence.rnHis love of education led him to Drexel University in the late 1940s. But his first day there he received an education he wasn’t expecting. He met Theresa (nee Finley), and even before he had his diploma in hand, he had her hand in marriage and two children. Their 61 year marriage was blessed, many times, by their 11 children: Roger (Nicki) of Cinnaminson, Dennis (Regina) of Palmyra, June of Delran, Kathy of Delran, Patricia of Weehawken, Sue of Nutley, Mark of Riverside, Denise Eizadkhah (Ali) of Bridgewater, Colin (Julie) of VA, David (Theresa) of Philadelphia and Robyn Kaminer (Mark) of Medford, and again by their 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Rita Sanasac.rnCome celebrate a life filled with song (7/21/1925 – 4/7/2010) Friday 6-8 PM and Saturday 9:30 – 10:30 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 11 AM at St. Peter’s Church, Riverside. Interment St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Covenant House 510 Plaza, Third Floor NY, NY 10001 or the YMCA Camp T Frank Soles 134 Camp Soles Lane, Rockwood, PA 15557. rn