OBITUARY: Robert Vincent Raby

On May 15, 2025, at age 59, Robert Raby, devoted husband and best friend to Kelly Raby, dropped the working tools of life and entered the gates of Heaven. A short, aggressive battle with Cancer never dimmed the sparkle in his eyes or silenced the laugh that would erupt over his and Kelly’s silly humor.

Besides Kelly, who he loved life with since they were kids, he is survived by his parents Bob and Ceil Raby of Crossville, TN (formerly Meriden CT), his Brother Justin (Leigh) Raby of Bellingham, WA, Father and Mother in Law Jim and Sandi Filipowicz of Crossville TN, and Brother in law John Filipowicz of Chester, VT. He was also loved by many Nieces and Nephews, Cousins, Aunts, and Uncles.

He was a graduate of Wilcox Tech in Meriden, CT, and a former employee of the Town of Meriden. Until his well-planned-out retirement at age 55 to start living his best life, he worked for the MDC in Hartford, CT. He is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Linda Filipowicz. She said 39 years ago, when Kelly brought him home to meet her, ‘Any young man that is an animal lover has to be a good guy.’ And that he was. The dogs he and Kelly have had over the years were their children. It wasn’t till last fall that they adopted their first rescue and discovered the ultimate unconditional love. The organization they found Izzy was A.A.R.F. (All About Rescue and Fixin’). Should you choose to honor his memory with a donation, please contact A.A.R.F.

Bob was a proud member of the Meridian Lodge No. 77 in Meriden, CT, and Crossville Lodge #483 F&AM in Crossville, TN. That led to his biggest passion being a dedicated and loyal member of the Widow’s Sons Masonic Riding Association. His current chapter is Dry Bones. To share a description of a WS ‘A Global, Charitable, and Non-Profit association made up of a group of Masonic members who are motorcycle enthusiasts whose mission is to help, aid, and assist Masonic widows and Orphans, while extending a hand of care and compassion to all others who need a helping hand.’ He loved his ‘brothers,’ who held such camaraderie and non-judgmental acceptance. Times with them helping others or kickin’ back at a rally/gathering were what he considered his best days.

The other charity, if you were to choose to, would be the WS’s via Dan Patterson, Kingston Lodge 550, West Spring St., Kingston, TN 37763. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

My Bob, I wanted to share here words and passages sent to me since you left us. But there are so many that I could fill pages. I don’t think you knew the impact you had. I had some say they became Masons because of you! All those words are such a comfort to me and make me so proud. Even with people all around us, it was always just you and me in the end. My wire nut to your wing nut, frick and frack. I will forever say pretty sunset and hear your voice say awwwww. I promised you I would be ok and I hope I will in time, but for now, you are my sunshine and my forever sunset (we never really did get up early enough for a sunrise). Love you more! Your Kelly