Robert E. Rayner, Sr.

Robert E. Rayner, Sr.

Robert E. Rayner, Sr., went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 14, 2013.  He was 87 years old.  Born February 16, 1926, in Scranton, PA, to Ernest and Anna Stender Rayner, he lived the early years of his life in the Petersburg section of Scranton before moving to Clarks Summit in 1962.  He has been a resident of Abington Manor for the past 2 years.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Esther (Calderone) Rayner, with whom he shared an extraordinarily joyful and loving relationship filled many years of laughter. He is also survived by a son, Robert E. Rayner, Jr. and wife Jennifer DiCanio, Coatesville, PA; a daughter Roanne Rayner, Wilkes-Barre; and a son Richard and wife Leslie, and their 3 sons, Joshua, Stephen and Jason, Middletown, PA. He was a devoted and sacrificial father who endeavored to bless his family in whatever way he could, living by word and example. He was the kindest, most generous, and loving human being.  His family thanks the Lord for his love, guidance, and care.  Everyone who was ever touched by his presence was blessed.

Bob was an industrious worker who spent most of his professional career in the field of corporate accounting.  He was enlisted in the United States Army for a time, attaining the rank of Sergeant.   Upon discharge, he continued a career in corporate accounting at the Harry F. Unger Company, International Correspondence Schools, Haddon Craftsman, Daystrom/Weston Instruments/Schlumberger, and finished his career as a corporate controller for Ingersoll-Rand Corporation until his retirement in 1988.  He was an active member and eventual president of the National Association of Accounts, and was a pioneer in the early days of integrating computers into business environments, teaching computer programming at the Electronic Computer Programming Institute.

As a life-long member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mr. Rayner served on the Church Council for many years, taught Sunday School, and served as a lay reader.  Outside the church, he was extremely active in various Masonic bodies, including:  33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason; Schiller Lodge; Melita Cour de Leon Commandery of Knights Templar of Pennsylvania (for which he served as Right Emminent Grand Commander of Pennsylvania in 1993); Order of DeMolay; York Rite Cross of Honor; Red Cross of Constantine; Northeastern York Rite College; Order of Knights Preceptor; Scranton Council; Council of Anointed Kings, Joshua Association; Crusaders of the Cross; Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; Irem Temple; Holy Royal Arch Chapter; and “Forty-fivers Club”.   

In the public arena, Mr. Rayner served several terms as auditor for South Abington Township, and was an active volunteer with Boy Scout Troop 151 of Chinchilla, PA. 

A viewing will be held Monday, March 18, 2013, at St Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Taylor Avenue & Ash Streets, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Visitors may begin calling at 11AM, with the entire family being present at noon.  A Masonic service will be conducted at 1:50PM, followed by a service of remembrance at 2PM and interment at Dunmore Cemetery.

The family encourages memorial contributions be made to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, 1033 Long Prarie Road, Flower Mound, TX 75022, or to the Memorial Fund of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Taylor Avenue and Ash Streets, Scranton, PA  18510.  

On-line condolences can be made via the internet at www.vanstonandjames.com.

12 Comments

  1. David L. Burrier

    I knew Bob at Ingersoll, DeMolay and Chapter, Council and Commandery including St. Peters Lutheran Church ELCA, Scranton. He was a master of interpersonal skills and good works. He was a servant of God and I know his name
    Is in The Book of Life!

    David L. Burrier, P.M. Acacia Lodge # 579, P.H.P Chapter 185, Past Commander VFW Post 4909.

  2. Lisa (Prenger) Trimbach

    Rayner family, so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and comfort you. Rich and family, sorry for your loss, your father must have been a great man to have helped raise such a wonderful person as Rich. I know he will be missed by all of you.

  3. Fern and Dave Norton

    Sorry to read that Bob passed away he was a good man.

  4. Tom Albrecht

    Mr. R was a good friend and neighbor, a leader in our Boy Scout troop, a man who loved his family. May the Lord give strength to the extended Rayner family.

  5. Dear Esther

    Need;ess to say, you and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers. You have many fond memories….Bob wass a special person. We WlLL see you Mpnday at the church. With much love, we are Gig andNancy

  6. Charles Greene

    I Can’t begin to tell you how much influence that Mr. Rayner had on me growing up. I admired and was envious of what an accomplished individual Mr. Rayner was, his demeanor, his humor, his uncanny ability to keep Bob and I on the right path growing up. It’s with great sadness that he leaves this earth a place where just knowing him made me a better person. My heart goes out to Mrs. Rayner and family, it’s my pleasure to have known all of you. May God grant you peace on this day. Mr Rayner will be forever in my memory.

    I am sorry that I cannot be with you on this day. I send you my love an support.

    God Bless
    Carl

  7. Rick & Erin Torquato

    Esther & Family,
    So sorry of hearing about Bob’s passing, Prayers go out to you and your family. May he rest in Peace.
    Rick, Erin & Julia

  8. Charley Jeffries

    I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Raynor family.

  9. robert walker pm.

    ester and family so very sorry for your loss.

  10. George A. Stephens, Jr.

    I was very sorry to hear of the loss of Brother Bob, although he is now in the comfort of the Grand Architect, it is indeed a loss to the world of a man of such devotion and integrity, my sincere condolences to the Rayner family, I know he will be missed greatly by you and the fraternity.

  11. David Fiorenza

    I never met Mr. Rayner. I know his son, Bobb. Bobb has been great to know all these years and I am grateful to his mother and father that I know Bobb. What a great family as I read more about Bobb’s father. God Bless you and we are praying for the family.

  12. Fredrick G Buehler

    My sincere condolences.

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