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WHEREAS, Richard C. Raub, known as "Dick," was born on April 20, 1937. In Dick's earliest years, he lived at an orphanage because his family could not afford to support him. Once his mother remarried, Dick joined his new family in their Sheraden home; and,
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WHEREAS, after leaving Langley High School at the age of 17, he joined the United States Army. Despite lacking a high school diploma, Dick was widely recognized as an electronics wizard. His tinkering led to the creation of innovative computer components, including the A-B printer switch; and,
WHEREAS, in 1977, Dick Raub and colleague Gene Yost spearheaded the idea of selling low cost electronic components in catalogs. Their idea, devised on napkins at a restaurant, evolved into Black Box, which became a nationwide leader in catalog sales, trading on the NASDAQ stock exchange; and,
WHEREAS, Dick's business success was rivaled by his deep philanthropic heart, particularly for organizations serving children. In recognition of Dick's generosity, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh named a room in his mother's memory. He sponsored the "dancing for a cause" fundraiser held by The Watchful Shepherd USA, and he funded the construction of the Richard C. Raub Rehabilitation Center in Stuart Florida, an outpatient facility that operates today as part of the Cleveland Clinic; and,
WHEREAS, in 2001, Achieva, then ARC Allegheny, awarded him their highest honor, the Sattler Humanitarian Award. He earned this recognition for his corporate and board leadership to the organization, substantial involvement in developing its information system, and financial contributions to its library, which, at the time, housed one of the most comprehensive collections of information on intellectual disabilities in the Pittsburgh region; and,
WHEREAS, Dick's casual attire earned him the affectionate references of "Dick Raub Formal" and a "Forever in Blue Jeans guy." He enjoyed traveling the world, mainly via sailboat, where he f...
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