Barbara Raptosh

Raptosh, Barbara, 64 of Portage passed away June 12, 2019 at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. Born September 7, 1954 in Windber Hospital; Barbara, better known as “Barb” was the daughter of John and Stella (Sinclair) Raptosh. Barbara was a lifelong member of the Portage community, with the exception of several years of residence in Louisville, KY, Indiana, Bedford and Dubois, Pa. Barbara was preceded in death by her loving father; maternal grandparents Henry and Dorothy Sinclair; paternal grandparents, Mary and Andrew Raptosh, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her mother, brother Larry Raptosh and sister-in-law Dawn (Ramos), niece Jessica married to Eric Gentile and their children Gianna and Ethan, all of Portage. She is also survived by numerous extended family members and blessed with many friends, several of whom she had shared childhood and lifelong friendships with. Barb was a 1972 graduate of Portage Area High School and a 1976 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. She successfully applied her education during a 35 year career as a social worker/program administrator and was locally employed by several for-profit and non-profit agencies, including: Cambria County Community Action Council, Goodwill Industries, Cedar Manor Drug and Alcohol treatment program, the Alternative Community Resource Program and Lifestyle Support Services. Through direct services and program administration, Barb positively impacted and provided emotional and therapeutic support to many families, children, youth and mentally challenged individuals throughout Cambria and nearby counties. Her wit and compassion often allowed for positive relationships with her clientele long after her retirement from social work. She often remarked how she truly enjoyed her career even though it didn’t allow for great wealth. She said it was never boring and gave her the opportunity to know and meet many interesting people and always provided for lifelong learning experiences. In her leisure time, Barb enjoyed the company of family and friends, caring for her pets, fishing, playing and listening to music and watching TV and movies. She also enjoyed maintaining an ongoing interest in the daily news, politics and history. Barb’s guiding principles in life were to be grateful for what you have, to be kind to most, to learn something new every day and to keep a quick wit/sense of humor when at all possible. Family and friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. Sunday where Parastas will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. at the Serenko-Claar Funeral Home, PC, Portage. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Ss. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Munster Road, Portage. Father James A. Spontak, celebrant. Committal will be in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Portage.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Raptosh, please visit our floral store.