Born on July 18, 1932, in Allentown, PA, he was the son of the late Earl and Edna (Reitz) Rader. He was a graduate of William Allen High School, Class of 1950, and Franklin and Marshall College, Class of 1954. After graduating from F & M he spent two years in the United States Army at Fort Jackson, SC. Upon completion of his active service, he returned to Allentown where he worked in the family grocery store until the sale of the business in 1965. Arlo was then a computer systems analyst for over 30 years with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, until his retirement.
While working three jobs to support his young family, he found the time to do what he loved most, singing. He was a member of the Municipal Opera Company (MUNOPCO) in Allentown, PA, having lead roles in multiple performances. He met his wife, Betty, in 1960, while playing the lead role of Ralph Rackstraw in the Gilbert and Sullivan production of HMS Pinafore. He was previously the tenor soloist and member of the Pine Street Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir. He had also been a member of the Bethlehem Bach Choir, the Chamber Singers of Harrisburg, the Harrisburg Choral Society, the Lebanon Valley Chorale, and the Harrisburg Opera Company. He also sang with various other churches in the Allentown and Lancaster areas. At an early age, he and his two brothers, became the “Rader Trumpet Trio”, playing together everywhere, for over 70 years, until the death of Glenn in 2014.
He loved classical music yet learned to love square dancing after his wife dragged him into it. 😊
Arlo loved to read and do crossword puzzles with his daughter, Pam. He also loved to watch the Phillies games and Eagles games with his son, David.
Preceded in death by his two older brothers, William and Glenn.
Arlo leaves to celebrate his life, his wife of almost 58 years, Betty {Mary Elizabeth}, his daughter, Pamela (Karen), of Havertown, PA, his son, David, of Harrisburg, his grandson, Alexander, of Havertown, PA, his brother, Mark (Alice), of Upper Darby, PA, his sister, Linda Slocum (Elwyn) of Oberlin, OH and many cousins, nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Arlo will be held, Saturday, September 14, 2019, at 11:00 am, at Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 301 N. 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Visitation will be held at the church in the Gathering Place from 10 am to 11 am. A light lunch will be served following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to “Music at Pine Street” or “Downtown Daily Bread”, both in care of Pine Street Presbyterian Church.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18