Greenfield, MassachusettsBob Rau was born on February 12, 1930 in Greenfield, Massachusetts, where he lived his entire life. A salesman by profession and personality, his sense of humor, and love of life and people carried him through three decades of challenging disability. Bob died on August 16, 2016 at the age of 86.
Known by many as Bobby, he was the son of Laura Karpinski and Walter Rau who were Polish and German respectively (and proud of it). Bobby possessed the best of both parents, loving to laugh, to joke and to take care of his family. Passing before him were his brother John in 1953 and then his high school sweetheart, first wife and best friend, Joyce Waterman Rau in 1962. Joyce and Bobby had two daughters, Brenda Erickson and Denise Rau. Bob was blessed with three more daughters, Alison Corriveau, Gretchen Emond and Jennifer Greene during his second marriage to Karen Flo Lynde. The five daughters have been close friends through the years, in part because he held them together.
Surviving him are his daughters and sons-in- law (Matt Erickson, Ed Tornick, Rick Corriveau, Joe Emond and Keith Greene); dear sister Marcia Adamski and brothers Walter and Eddie, and spouses Ronnie, Gisela and Sue; grandchildren Katii Tornick, Randy and Jamie Corriveau, Jacob and Christopher Emond, and Madeleine and Sam Greene; nieces, nephews and steadfast friends. Bob loved talking with anyone who wanted to talk, especially about the Red Sox, Bruins, Giants, fishing, skiing, gardening, and youthful exploits with his brothers.
Bob loved and was loved by many at Charlene Manor Extended Care. We deeply appreciate the selfless nurses, dining and housekeeping/laundry staff, co-residents, and roommate Bob W.
Above all, it is the Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who cared for "Mr. Rau" every day, keeping order in his life, and a smile on his face, that truly made Charlene Manor a home. The family is very grateful.
Memorials to the American Heart Association
online heart.org.
We miss you, Dad. Rest in peace.
Your Girls
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