Morton Raphelson's Obituary
Morton Raphelson, a World War II veteran and a former engineer, died Saturday at age 94. He traveled the world as a U.S. Merchant Marine from 1943 until his honorable discharge in 1945. He earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Masters degree in 1956 from Villanova University.
During his time in the service, Raphelson worked as a Chief Radio Operator aboard several ships. He sailed all over the world, including to the United Kingdom, India and South America. While he was aboard the SS Pan Pennsylvania in April 1944, a torpedo from a German submarine struck the vessel just off the coast of Rhode Island. There were many causalities and only a handful of people survived. A ship manned by U.S. Coast Guard sailors picked up Raphelson and the other survivors, and sunk the German U-Boat. Raphelson recounted this experience for the book, Where Divers Dare: The Hunt for the Last U-Boat.
After attending college on the G.I. Bill, Raphelson began his career as an electrical engineer for the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and went on to serve 26 years at RCA in Camden, N.J. Born and raised during the Great Depression in Philadelphia, he married his wife, Helen, in September 1948 and later moved to Cinnaminson, N.J., where they raised four children. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, woodworking, drawing and stained glass, among other hobbies. He was a diehard fan of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Raphelson is predeceased by his son, Mark, and his wife, Helen. He is survived by two daughters, Nancy (John) Bush of Loudon, N.H., and Jean (Frank) Piacentini of Philadelphia, a son, Bruce (Terri) Raphelson of Haddonfield, N.J., five grandsons, Eric King, Kevin Bush, Jason Brugler, Christopher Brugler and Nicholas Piacentini, two granddaughters, Samantha and Meredith Raphelson, and six great grandchildren.
As per Mort’s wishes, his body was donated to science. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation (pkdcure.org) or the Philadelphia Zoo (philadelphiazoo.org).
To share your fondest memories of Mort, please visit www.givnishfuneralhome.com
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