Roll Call Tribute

Laurence J. Raba
January 3, 1941 - April 26, 2021

Laurence J. Raba, 80, of San Antonio, TX passed away peacefully Monday, April 26, 2021 with his loving wife Regina, Daughter Kristina, Son Christopher, Daughter-in-law Maria Elena, Brother Carl, and Sister-in-law Elizabeth by his side.

Larry, as he was known to his friends and family, was born to Carl & Maureen (Molauder) Raba on the southside of San Antonio in January of 1941. Larry graduated from Central Catholic Marianist High School and received a Bachelor in Architecture from Texas A&M University. Larry remained proud and close to both of his alma maters throughout his life.

Larry started his professional career as an Architect in 1966 under the mentorship of H.B. Zachry, founder of H.B. Zachry Company. While at H.B. Zachry Company, working alongside with Mr. Zachry, Larry developed a fast tracked concrete construction process called modular construction that they would later use in the construction of the Hilton Palacio Del Rio, located on the San Antonio Riverwalk for HemisFair ’68 the 1968 World’s Fair. The Hilton was built and opened in a Guinness Book of World Record 202 days. This would catapult Larry’s career to work on many different types of architectural projects not only in San Antonio but throughout the world taking him to such places as the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

As Larry’s career started so did his interest in a beautiful Lebanese girl named Regina LaHood. After a blind date at the Poco Loco over 50 years later they never left each other’s side. Larry and Regina would marry and later have two kids; Kristina Jeannine and Christopher Laurence. While Larry’s family grew so did some of the notable projects he was honored to be involved with around San Antonio as well as the people he was blessed to work with. He always commented that anything he had achieved had only been accomplished because of the hard work and efforts of those he worked with.

Larry was best known by his friends for preparing elaborate dinners with incredible detail, flavor, and style. From the design of the hand painted menus to the setting of the table there was not one detail he took for granted. He had no better partner in hosting these extravagant affairs than his wife Reggie. Dinner would start at 7:00 PM and would end with breakfast at 2:00 AM. Larry’s love of life and acceptance of everyone who crossed his path made him a true blessing to all those who knew him. In addition to his love of cooking Larry loved gardening and painting and excelled at both. Larry was very fashion conscious so much so that the Express News wrote an article about him in 1985 titled “Texture Influences architect.” Larry was keenly aware of his obligation to give back to the community and was honored to be Rey Feo XXXIX and truly believed in the mission of LULAC. He was also a highly active member of St. George Maronite Catholic Church and was blessed to be asked to be the architect for the design of the church. It could definitely be said his love for his family was only rivaled by the love of his Maronite Catholic faith.

Later in life, after an unfortunate car accident, Larry was forced to stop working and eventually was unable to continue many of his hobbies such as cooking and hosting his friends. The accident would later cause the health complications that took his life. Through it all he always kept a positive attitude and never once complained or felt sorry for himself and continued to be a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
While Larry will undoubtedly be missed, his legacy will forever live on in the buildings he designed, the friendships and relationship he fostered, and through his kids, grandchildren, and all those who were fortunate to be graced with his generous hospitality and love.

Larry is survived by his wife of 50 years Regina, his daughter Kristina Richards and son-in-law James Richards, his son Christopher Raba and daughter-in-law Maria Elena Raba, and his brother Carl F. Raba Jr. In addition to his grandchildren; Sterling and Ava Richards, Jude, Rome, Dante, and Talia Raba, Isabela Ramirez and numerous nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by parents Maureen and Carl F. Raba Sr. and daughter-in-law Tanya Yamin Raba.

Funeral services will be Friday, April 30, 2021 at St. George Maronite Catholic Church, with visitation starting at 9:30 AM, followed by a rosary at 10:30 AM, with the holy sacrifice of the mass at 11:00 AM. For those who are unable to attend the services will be livestreamed on the St. George Maronite Catholic Church’s Youtube channel. The family asks that any donations in honor of Larry be made to St. George Maronite Catholic Church or Alzheimer’s Association 10223 McAllister Fwy #100, San Antonio, TX 78216.

Serving as pallbearers will be, James Richards, Gary Raba, William Raba, Nico LaHood, Phil Yamin, Henry Gonzalez, Tony Flores, and Kevin Adams.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Bill Maloy, Francois Gentis, Richard Moore, John Kazanjian, Mark Kennedy, Vince Mery, Manny Waters, Patrick Karam, Allan Smith, John Baines, Brian Burke, Wayne Marty, and Luis Reyna.

The family would like to send a special thanks to all of the doctors and caregivers who have taken care of their father over the years especially Kindred Hospice; Elizabeth, Leticia, Sarah, and Raquel – along with Frederick, Gina, and Leslie from Bee at Home Care SA.

© 2021 Mission Park Funeral Chapels & Cemeteries. All Rights Reserved.