John “Danny” grew up in the Beechwold neighborhood, where he spent his childhood playing hide-and-seek and building forts in the nearby woods. He displayed his strong work ethic throughout his life. At just 10 years old, he began carrying the Columbus Dispatch newspaper. He later worked at Sandy's Drive Inn and the United Parcel Service (UPS). A graduate of Whetstone High School, John became Honorary President of the class of 1964. He organized several class reunions. At the age of 22, John joined the Ohio Air National Guard, and served as a sergeant. During his five years of military service, he served two years in active duty in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Kunsan, South Korea. Following his military service, John began attending classes at The Ohio State University, where he studied Physical Education. While working at Western Electric, he attended night classes at the Columbus Technical Institute. He graduated with an Associate of Applied Business in Business Data Processing Technology, which prepared him for his successful career with the State of Ohio as a Data Processing Manager for the Department of Mental Health.
Many know John for his dedication and commitment to his church and church community. He was a true servant of God, sharing his love and devotion through service. For many years, he served as a Youth Fellowship Leader with Epworth UMC of Columbus and with Stonybrook Church of Gahanna, where he has been a member for over 30 years. He became involved with the Appalachian Service Project (ASP) mission. ASP resonated deeply with John’s work ethic and his passion for helping others, and also paved the way for him to grow as a mentor. He was fondly known for organizing the mulch fundraiser, which provided funding for youth participation with ASP. He was a member of the Trustees for many years. He was driven to complete several maintenance projects. His impact can be seen throughout the church building and grounds. John believed that doing for others brought true happiness. For him, it also brought purpose.
John led an active and engaged life. From childhood, he was an avid reader. He enjoyed playing football and swimming and was a competitive swimmer at Whetstone High School. When they were young, he coached his children’s sports teams. His love of gardening was instilled in childhood through his mother. He created lifelong memories with his family, taking several road trips to visit with friends and family. While he may not have been the greatest golfer, he surely had the greatest time golfing. His time on the green wasn’t just the source of great joy, albeit met with some degree of frustration, it was a time for cultivating relationships with his friends, his son, and grandson. He loved the Ohio State Buckeyes football with great enthusiasm and was a member of the Ohio State University President’s Club.
John is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Sarah Raab, his mother Gloria Adele Laipply Raab, father Melvin Conrad (Bonnie) Raab, and sister Carolyn (Clarence) Randall. John is survived by his wife Marilyn Sweeney, his son Gregory Raab, daughter Wendy Raab, stepdaughter Caroline Sweeney, grandson Oliver, granddaughter Brooke, grandson Jacob Sweeney, and great-granddaughters Cassidy and Gianna. John is also survived by his siblings, brother Mel Raab (Anne) and sister Melanie Barker (Jim), with whom he had very close relationships. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. John has touched the lives of many family, friends, neighbors, and members of his community.
John was a meteorite whose impact on this Earth affected so many lives in deep and meaningful ways. Learning at a young age that life was indeed unfair, he chose to embrace each day and all of its waiting challenges with an attitude and character that demonstrated a great sense of empathy, a tremendous understanding of the value of fellowship, and faith in the power of doing the right thing. John never backed down from a fight, even when he knew that he would likely get the worst of it. This probably explains his love for golf. He knew that facing life’s challenges with the right people made all the difference. John exemplified his beliefs in every aspect of his life as a brother, a son, a devoted husband and father, a friend, and as a servant of the Lord. May we all strive to cultivate the John Raab that lives in each of us; that which forgives freely, welcomes challenge, and truly embraces the beauty of life.
In honor and celebration of John's life and legacy, family and friends will be received on Thursday, February 15, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast, 1051 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230. On Friday, February 16, there will be a visitation at 10 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11 AM at Stonybrook Church, 485 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Stonybrook Church. These contributions will support the future construction of a meaningful project close to John's heart.
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