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John M. Raevens
Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | July 12, 2023
John M. Raevens, age 93, of McKeesport, PA, died on Sunday, July 9, 2023. He was born in Poperinge, Belgium on August 10, 1929 and is the son of the late Gaston and Anna Van Habost Raevens. He received his Doctorate in Music and taught as a professor of music for Duquesne University for 49 years. He was a world-renowned organist, where he played at the Vatican, throughout Europe (John received first prize in organ in Belgium), as well as at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. He published a book titled, “Music: An Understanding and Enjoyment”. He also led the choir at various churches in the Pittsburgh area, including St. Germaine Church in Bethel Park, PA and Epiphany Church in Pittsburgh, PA. John loved nature and painting artwork, had a very strong faith in God, and had a great love for his family. He was a very warm and charismatic person and was well loved by everyone.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Lois Kalloway; daughters, Lucette M. (Bruce) Bottomly of Taft, CA; Catrina M. Raevens of Panama City, FL; Claire M. (Joseph) Gibbons of Frankton, IN; Colette M. (fiancée, Rob Sidrow) Raevens of Denver, CO; Catherine (Ray) Calfo of Mt. Pleasant, PA; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his son, Luc Raevens, who died on May 7, 1988; brother, Martial Raevens; and sister, Jacqueline Raevens. Family and friends will gather at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177) on Friday, July 14, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Family and friends will meet on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Divine Mercy Parish, Epiphany Church, 184 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com
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Originally published July 12, 2023.
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