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The famous General Trexler Estate at 1227 Hamilton Street is among the best known residences in Allentown. Filled with ornate woodwork, leaded stained glass windows, comtemporary lighting and a grand entranceway, coming to the Trexler Home is a unique experience.

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John S. Raab
04/25/2018

John Scott Raab, known as J.R. by many, passed away suddenly on April 25th at the age of 60. He was a long time resident of the Lehigh Valley, living in Alburtis most recently. He was born in Bryn Mawr, PA to James E. and Ann (Brinton) Raab on August 15, 1957 and lived in Berwyn until the family moved to Allentown in 1967.

John graduated from Salisbury High School in 1976 and soon after left for California to join two of his sisters who had moved there. He lived in Encinitas and attended Palomar College. A few years later he returned to Allentown and worked with his father at Robco, the family business, a kitchen and bath cabinet supply company.

John was a talented and well respected kitchen designer, developing his skills over a long career. He loved his work and called himself the Kitman. He worked at City Surplus Home Center, Allentown, and previously had been employed by Empire Building Products, Just Cabinets and Morris Black & Sons. John enjoyed and excelled at pool and was in a pool league for several years. He loved listening to music and he also played the guitar. John was a diehard Eagles fan and got to see the Eagles win the Super Bowl!

John is survived by wife Maryann (Digioia), daughters Margaret (married to Tyler) Powell, and Lillian (married to Priam) Chun; stepdaughters Laura Miranda and Nicole Miranda. He was predeceased by his first wife Sara Sheesley and his stepson Robert John Miranda. He is also survived by three sisters, Didi Chaney, Carol Miller and Judy Miller, and has four grandchildren, Leona and Turner Powell and Julian and Kellan Chun, and a step grandson Ethan Caines.

Calling hours at Nicos C. Elias Funeral Home, 1227 Hamilton St., Allentown PA from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday May 1st. Funeral service Wednesday May 2nd at 11:00 AM in the funeral home, interment at Resurrection Cemetery.