Eugene “Gene” Joseph Raibeck, aged 87, of East Hartford, Connecticut, departed this life on January 23, 2025, peacefully at his home, following a brief illness.
Gene was born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, on February 10, 1937, the son of the late Helen (Alstein) Raibeck Gioscio and Albert E. Raibeck. In addition to his parents, Gene was predeceased by his sister Justine Raibeck. Gene spent his formative years in Shenandoah, where his father labored as a coal miner and his mother, a homemaker, before relocating with his parents to East Hartford, Connecticut upon the closing of the coal mines in Shenandoah. He attended college at St. Francis College (General Studies) and the University of Hartford (Business Administration) and began his professional career at Aetna in Hartford, in 1955, starting as a Forms Analyst and ending as the Director of Office Services in 1995, spanning a 40-year career, prior to his retirement.
Gene is survived by his children, Andrew (Jackie) Raibeck, Eric (Jeanne) Raibeck and his daughter, Melissa Raibeck; grandchildren, Emma and Alexandra Raibeck.
Gene loved sports and was an avid fly fisherman and a master of fly-tying. Gene also found joy in the game of golf, participating in numerous golf leagues over the years. He loved watching professional football, baseball and basketball as well as college basketball and was especially an avid fan of the UConn Huskies. Gene had a special fondness for the UConn Huskies Women’s basketball team where he was a season ticket holder for many years and never missed a game if he could help it.
Gene was a dedicated member of the Hartford Elks Lodge for 20 years. He had a deep appreciation for nature and animals, often spending his time outdoors bird watching and savoring the beauty of a sunny day or a refreshing breeze. Gene had a taste for good bourbon, with his favorite drink being a Manhattan, and he also enjoyed a fine cigar.
A devout, lifelong member of the Catholic Church, Gene attended daily mass in his retirement years and although he would not have considered himself a philanthropist, he generously supported more than 25 Catholic (and other charities), monthly, during those retirement years. He truly was a “selfless” man.
Known for his sweet and gentle nature, Gene always had a kind word for everyone he encountered. His frequent bestowed wishes at the end of a visit of "May God Bless You and I hope you have a Rainbow Day" will be fondly remembered by all with whom he encountered.
He will be eternally missed and remembered as a beloved father and grandfather.
A funeral Mass will be held Friday, February 7, 10:00AM at St. Christopher Church in East Hartford, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North American Martyrs Parish via their website,https://www.namct.org/give.
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