Dr. Ernest Aloysius Raba

June 12, 1946 - December 09, 2020

Obituary For Dr. Ernest Aloysius Raba

Dr. Ernest Aloysius Raba passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at his home in Raleigh, NC. He was born on June 12, 1946 in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Raba was a dedicated and accomplished physician. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas, and his medical degree, in 1968, from the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio. Dr. Raba completed his residency in psychiatry at Duke University, where he was named a Falk Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Throughout his more than fifty-year career, Dr. Raba worked in solo and group private practices, was a graduate of the UNC-Duke Psychoanalytic Institute, and served as an instructor and supervisor of residents at Duke University Medical Center and at the Veterans’ Affairs Hospital in Durham. Dr. Raba specialized in treating alcoholism and other drug dependencies. He developed and owned Three Springs Wilderness Camp for Adolescents, and served as a medical director and consultant at various community mental health centers and health companies. Ernie was a voracious reader and devoted fan of Duke Basketball, attending games for over 45 years. He loved to take his family on motorhome trips to National Parks across the United States and Canada. His favorite destination was Yellowstone National Park, which he visited more than 20 times. Ernie’s love and admiration of nature live on in his children and grandchildren.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Lynette (Lyn) Murrie Raba; son, Ernest Damien Raba; daughter, Nina Raba Segars and her husband Tom; and grandchildren, Heidi and Keira Segars. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Betty Raba.

Dr. Raba was a devout Roman Catholic and a parishioner at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Cathedral. He will be remembered during a private funeral mass for the family at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral and burial at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made too, Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, 219 West Edenton St. Raleigh NC 27603 (Mass intention For, Ernest Raba)

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

August 02, 2023

Mrs Michael (neé Holly Johnson) Wenner

In 1966 I matriculated at St Mary's U, as a shy 17-year old biology major, and became a lab assistant washing glassware in the old chemistry building where seniors Ernie Raba and his friend Joe Grote also worked. They were both brilliant, and I had a silent crush on Ernie which I never quite lost. I remember Ernie singing "Suzanne" with his guitar at week-day Masses; I can still recall him, young, serious, afire with his ambition to be an MD; yet with Joe Grote exhibiting an outrageous dead-pan sense of humour as they worked at the lab after-hours-- one time they got into a water-fight with pressurised hoses from the slop-sinks that left the lab awash, as I sat owlishly on a stool staying dry in one corner, not knowing what to make of them. I later became a zookeeper, then a field ornithologist-ecologist in the old British Indies. My latter years I spent as a teacher. I am now a widow in the UK, after a happy marriage of 32 years married (age 42) to a WW II combat veteran / retired British Ambassador who died aged 99 in November 2020. Eternal peace to Ernie; and prayers for Lyn and his family.
September 13, 2021

Carrie J Geyer

Dear Mrs Raba, I'm so sorry to hear about Mr Raba's passing! Your family is in my thoughts & prayers! Love, Carrie Geyer
July 06, 2021

Deacon W. Patrick Cunningham

Lyn, I remember fondly singing with Ernie back at Central Catholic in our glee club and quartet. I just learned of his passing and will have a Mass offered for him. Blessings to you all.
January 14, 2021

Tom Diamond

Lyn, My deepest sympathy to you and the entire family . Tom Diamond
December 31, 2020

Ann Andy Parsons

Dear Lynette and Family - We are so sad over the passing of Ernie. We know he will be sorely missed. Please hug those darling granddaughters for us. - Ann and Andy Parsons
December 29, 2020

Kay Rooker

Lyn. Dr Raba was so special to us at Magellan Behavioral. All of the nurses enjoyed celebrating special times with you'll. My deepest condolences for you and your family. Love , Kay Rooker