Frank Edward Raab

FRANK EDWARD RAAB
Rear Admiral, USNR


August 4, 1921 – September 19, 2016



Frank Edward Raab, Jr., Rear Admiral USNR, passed away peacefully of natural causes on September 19, 2016 at the age of 95 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center of Los Angeles. Frank was born on August 4, 1921 in Riverside, California where his grandfather, Edward Raab (Born in Weisbaden, Germany January 27, 1851 to Fred Raab and Laura) had been the town blacksmith. Frank's father, Frank Edward Raab, Sr. was born in Houtzdale, Clearfield, Pennsylvania, USA on 5 May 1880 to Edward Raab and Louisa Schlatter.

In his youth Frank was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and in later years spoke of his experiences with his troop as one of the highlights of his life. In particular he fondly remembered travelling by train across the country to attend a National Scout Jamboree.

Frank served in the United States Naval Construction Forces also known as the "Seabees," during World War II where he was deployed in the Pacific Theatre building naval installations, bases, roadways and airstrips. As the war ended, he recalled tearfully, and joyfully, listening to "I'll be Home for Christmas" at a celebratory ball the day before returning to the United States. Frank remained in the Navy Reserve (and later saw action in Korea) and completed his education at the University of California, Berkeley, receiving a bachelor's of science degree in business administration in 1946. He remained a lifelong fan of all things Cal, especially the Golden Bears football team.

Upon his graduation from UC Berkeley, Frank joined the Insurance Company of North America (INA), one of the largest American insurance companies of the 19th and 20th centuries before it transformed into CIGNA in 1982. Frank was posted to the Pacific Northwest Region where he met his loving wife, Sally, a graduate of Oregon State. Frank used to joke that he had responsibility for the largest territory in the country but the fewest people. Over a 30 year career with INA Frank ultimately rose to the role of President and CEO. Frank also served as President and CEO of the Pacific Employers Insurance Company; Chairman of the Union Insurance Company; and Chairman of Data Corporation from 1966-1969. In 1976 Frank was hired by Allianz AG of Munich, Germany to establish the Allianz Insurance Company of North America where he served as Chairman and CEO from 1976-1983. Frank also served as Chairman of Allianz Underwriters, Inc. from 1978-1983.

Throughout Frank's distinguished career in the insurance industry, he also held the following positions and titles: Vice Chairman, American Nuclear Insurers; member of the Board of Trustees, American Institute of Property and Liability Underwriters; member of the Board of Trustees, Insurance Institute of America; member of the Board of Governors, New York Insurance Exchange; National President, Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters; Chairman of the Loman Foundation; President, Los Angeles Safety Council; President, Philadelphia Safety Council; member of the Board, American Hull Insurance Syndicate (New York); member of the Board, Improved Risk Mutuals.

Frank remained active in the U.S. Navy throughout his life, serving as National President of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets and National Vice President, U.S. Navy League. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Veterans Park Conservancy where he was instrumental in the restoration and reopening of the Women Veterans Rose Garden. Frank is a holder of the United States Armed Forces Legion of Merit, given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

Frank was a great patrons of the arts and served on the Board of Directors of the American Jazz Philharmonic, The Henry Mancini Institute and was a Gold Circle Founder of The Music Center of Los Angeles County. Frank also served on the Advisory Board, of Boys Town of Los Angeles. Frank particularly enjoyed performances at the Hollywood Bowl, where he was a long time season ticket holder.

Frank was an avid traveler and his professional and military career took him across the globe to every continent and numerous countries. He fondly recalled many of his voyages and the people he had met and the places he had visited. In particular he often spoke of Christmases in London, UK and New Years in Paris, France. Bavaria, Germany and the Islands of Hawaii were also favored destinations. In his later years Frank was an enthusiastic golfer and enjoyed afternoon rounds at the Los Angeles Country Club where he was renowned for his "worm burner" fairway shots and valued for his sportsmanship and good humor. Frank was beloved by all those who knew him and will be dearly missed by his many good friends.

If desired, friends may make contributions in his memory to registered 501(3)(c) charity "Boy Scouts of America, Beverly Hills Troop 33" c/o Beverly Hills Scout House Association, 340 S. Lemon Ave # 9330, Walnut CA 91789.