NORWICH – Robert C. Raphael, 64, former City of Norwich police sergeant and current City of Norwich Mayor, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 29, 2006, in the Wilson Memorial Hospital of Johnson City.
The son of Robert C. and Verna (Weidman) Raphael Sr., Bob was born in New York City on Feb. 26, 1942. He was very young when the family moved to Chenango County, and spent his school years in the Guilford and, later, Bainbridge-Guilford schools, from which he graduated in 1962. Immediately out of school, Bob entered the U.S. Army, serving his country in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1962-1965, including a tour of duty in the Dominican Republic during the conflict there. He returned to Guilford with his honorable discharge and, urged by his father to “get a job,” Bob worked for two years for Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals, where he acquired his nickname “Herman.” On April 16, 1967, Bob was hired as a police officer for the City of Norwich, and his true career began. But he was frustrated by the slowness of promotions within the Police Dept., and joined the Army Reserves where, over the years, he advanced in rank to 1st Sergeant and was an Army training officer in Missouri. Bob served in the reserves from 1975 through his retirement in 1991. He felt that the military service helped him increase his sense of self-worth; and he liked to see people work as a team, a trait which would show later in his efforts as City of Norwich Mayor.
On Sept. 27, 1969, in Guilford, Bob and Vicki Carpenter were united in marriage. From the start. Bob was a man who cared very deeply about his family. His daughter remembers fondly that he would leave little presents around for them, “just because,” and also that he made each child feel special because of his interest in them and their activities. As a family, the Raphaels would dress up and join the Halloween parades, and Bob had impersonated Santa Claus once or twice. Bob’s sense of humor was quiet but legendary, and he was never afraid to laugh at himself. In his quiet times, he loved watching the History Channel on television, particularly the military history programs, and he enjoyed reading a good mystery or a Louis L’Amour western. A deeply patriotic man, Bob was very proud of his sons’ military service, and especially the fact that son Matthew served, as Bob had, in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army.
On Jan. 1, 1986, Bob was promoted to the rank of sergeant with the Norwich Police Department, a title which he carried until his retirement from the force on July 17, 1996. For a short while, he worked for Chenango County’s court system as court security, but left that all behind when he decided that he could benefit the city as an elected official. Despite his family’s concerns, he ran for the office of City of Norwich Mayor, and served two terms, from Jan. 1, 1998, through Dec. 31, 2001. During his tenure, he tackled the tough jobs, finally seeing his hard work and team spirit pay off when the new police department building was dedicated. Though he lost the election the next time around, he once again threw his hat in the political ring and was currently serving his fourth term as City of Norwich Mayor. He was rewarded once again for his endeavors when the paid men and volunteer companies of the Norwich Fire Department marched proudly from their temporary headquarters on Borden Avenue to the former City Hall building, newly renovated and dedicated for their use.
Bob treated the city as he did one of his own children, working hard to see that it grew strong and healthy and taking pride in any accomplishments. He was quoted as saying that he approached each decision with “prayerful consideration,” one of the teachings from his church and very much a part of his life.
Bob is survived by his wife, Vicki Raphael of Norwich; his mother, Verna Raphael, 96, of the NYS Veterans’ Home in Oxford; by his children: U.S. Air Force Major Marc J. Raphael and wife Rachel of Virginia, Rebecca L. Raphael of Logan, Utah, Matthew C. Raphael and wife Kathryn of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Michael J. Raphael of Norwich. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ethan, Sarah, Jesse, Sophia, Gabriel and Amelia Raphael; his brother, Morris C. Raphael and wife Dianne of Norwich; three nieces, and three nephews. Bob was predeceased by his dad, Robert; his daughter, Sarah; and his son, Chandler.
Funeral services for Bob will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 2, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1 Cole Drive, Norwich. Norwich Branch President of the church, Peter Mennis, will officiate. Interment with full military rites will follow in the North Guilford Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to stop at the City of Norwich Fire Station at 2:30 p.m. for a time of sharing of stories and remembrances of Bob.
Friends are invited to call at the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thurs. evening from 6-9 p.m. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Bob’s memory may send it to the Robert C. Raphael Memorial Trust Fund, c/o NBT, Norwich Branch, 52 South Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815.