Robert Balmer Rayner II, treasured his family

Robert Balmer Rayner II, 98, passed away peacefully Monday, May 9, 2022, among family and the devoted caregivers of Somerset House Assisted Living and VNA Hospice Care in Vero Beach, Fla. 

Bob was born Sept. 16, 1923, in Wilmington. He attended P.S. Dupont High School, where he excelled in athletics, most notably baseball and basketball. He was also an avid sailor and golfer. Bob’s athletic talent opened the door for potential professional play, beginning with a pitching position for the Delaware Semi-Pro League Forty Acres team, until an injury foiled that path. Bob became a master carpenter in the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters. 

On July 28, 1951, Bob married Dorothy Jean Huber of Philadelphia, Pa., in St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Wilmington. They raised three children, Peter, Susan, and Sharon, in homes built by Bob in Wilmington and Lewes.

Bob and Dorothy’s 64 years of marriage were spent in Delaware while raising their family, and then throughout Florida in retirement, eventually settling in Vero Beach. Bob’s devotion to Dorothy until her passing June 2, 2015, was infinite. When Dorothy’s health required that she reside at Palm Gardens Nursing Home in Vero Beach for care, Bob was her constant comfort and tireless companion, spending every day by her side. 

Bob shared his values of hard work, physical fitness, and family loyalty and devotion with his three children, Peter Huber Rayner, Susan Rayner Ffrench, and Sharon Rayner Strine; and his grandchildren: his daughter Susan’s son, Matthew Donald Ffrench, and Sharon’s children, Emily Susan Reardon, Tyler Joseph Reardon and Connor Thomas Reardon. He embraced his in-law children, Judy Coleman Rayner, Hank Ffrench and James Michael Strine, as his immediate family. 

Bob is survived by his children Peter, Susan and Sharon; and his sisters; Barbara Eliason and Anne MacMahon. He was predeceased by his mother, Mattie Parker Rayner, father, Balmer Jenness Rayner; and his brother, Frank Trull Rayner.  

Bob treasured his family, his friends and the community of Christ Church, Vero Beach. His family would like to especially thank all who became his friends and caregivers in his later years.

A private interment for Bob and Dorothy Rayner will be at the family plot in the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery.