Raymond Theilacker | Food broker, 88

Raymond F. Theilacker, 88, a retired Narberth food broker, died after a series of strokes on Saturday, May 21, at his home in Media.

Born in South Philadelphia, Mr. Theilacker was a 1941 graduate of West Catholic High School and an Army veteran of World War II, during which he served in Normandy, northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland, Germany, and central Europe.

A daughter, Jeanne Kranefeld, said that in the Normandy invasion he landed on "D-Day plus one at Omaha Beach" and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

She said he was a salesman for a soap manufacturer, then worked for the Joseph W. Riley Co. food brokerage in Narberth until he retired in 1986.

A board member of the West Catholic High alumni association, he often spoke to elementary and high school audiences about his war experiences.

Besides his daughter Jeanne, Mr. Theilacker is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Lou; a son, Raymond F. Jr.; daughters Anne Hoy, Mary Stoolman, and Rosemary Magrann; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A visitation was set from 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, at the Church of St. Mary Magdalen, 2400 N. Providence Rd., Upper Providence, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass there. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, Delaware County.