John Tobias Raithel, 71, of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, died Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at the Saint Lucie Medical Center in Port Saint Lucie.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he had been a resident of Port Saint Lucie for 25 years, coming from his birthplace.
A Modern Day Blacksmith or Metalsmith, working with steel, John was actively involved in the production of the 18 story geodesic sphere, that is one of the most recognizable sites at Disney Epcot Center, known as Spaceship Earth. He was also involved at NASA, taking part in crafting the Space Shuttles.
He was also a volunteer with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in Fort Pierce.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Maureen “Binky” Raithel, of Port Saint Lucie; 4 sons, John C. “Sonny” Raithel, of O’Brien, Florida, Nicholas Paul Raithel and Dana Vincent Raithel, both of Port Saint Lucie, and Marc Anthony Raithel, of Brockton, Massachusetts; 2 daughters, Christina Marie Raithel and Destiny Nicole Raithel, both of Port Saint Lucie; 2 brothers, Phillip R. Raithel, of Saugus, Massachusetts, and Richard A. Raithel, of Mapleville, Rhode Island; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 14 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Raithel, and his grandson, Dana.
Services and Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
An Online Guestbook is available by visiting www.treasurecoastseawinds.com