Israel Bernard Raynor | Police lieutenant, 64

Israel Bernard "Bernie" Raynor, 64, who grew up in the Norris Homes projects in North Philadelphia and went on to be a Philadelphia police lieutenant, died of a brain tumor April 9 at home in West Mount Airy.

"My father was caught in the crossfire of gang violence at 18 when he was delivering newspapers," said his daughter Grace Brickhouse. "He saw both sides of the law, and that made him an objective person."

After graduating from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1962, he worked various jobs until graduating from the Police Academy in 1964. He walked a beat in West Philadelphia and used call boxes to get his assignments. He rose through the ranks to lieutenant, retiring in 2004 from the Civil Affairs Department.

"My father worked hard to get the support of the community. He was respected as a police officer and was a fair man," said his son, Richard. "People he had arrested and counseled about staying out of jail often thanked him."

Lt. Raynor married Felicia Cannedy in 1967, and they settled in West Mount Airy. "He made great barbecue ribs and chicken," his daughter said. "He was a kind, gentle soul. Everyone in the neighborhood looked to him for help."

In addition to his wife, son and daughter, Lt. Raynor is survived by another daughter, Rhonda Miller; a grandson; and three sisters.

Friends may visit at 8 a.m. tomorrow at Bethel Deliverance International Church, 2929 W. Cheltenham Ave., Wyncote. Burial will be in Ivy Hill Cemetery.