Obituary of Joseph T. Rauscher

       Philadelphia Labor Leader  Joseph Rauscher 

Long-time Philadelphia Labor Leader Joseph Rauscher passed away on July 10 at the age of 76 from complications following a stroke that he suffered in April.  Joe was born on December 4th, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the oldest of four children born to Joseph and Margaret Rauscher. A life-long Roxborough resident, Joe attended Murriel Dobbins High School. 

After his discharge from the U. S. Air Force in 1962, Joe began his career with the Bakery, Confectionery, and Tobacco Workers Union, Local 6, as a shipper with Michel’s Bakery. He quickly became active in his union and  was elected Shop Steward in 1964. In 1969, Joe was named Recording Secretary of the local and  became a full-time officer in 1974 when he was elected Business Agent. He became the youngest Vice President in his local in 1980 and was elected president of Local 6 in 1983. 

Under Joe’s leadership, Local 6 grew stronger and larger. He was instrumental in the merger with several other locals, which brought the membership of Local 6 to over 7,000 members. He established a full-time organizing position and appointed the first female Business Agent. He also formed the Local 6 Members Assistance Program. The program is considered a model for drug, alcohol and substance abuse throughout the state. During this time, Joe served on his International Union’s Executive Board. 

Joe attended St. Joseph’s University and the George Meany Center for Labor Studies. 

In  1992, Joe’s career changed when he was elected as the President of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, the fourth largest in the country. Joe was instrumental in developing unity in the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO and working with all labor unions and their membership until his retirement in January of 2002. 

Joe served as a Vice President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, Co-Chair of the Philadelphia Area Labor-Management Committee (PALM), Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Transition Team. He was Commissioner of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, past Treasurer of the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation (WIB); a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation, Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation (PFMC), and United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. He served on the Advisory Committee for the Community College, the Civil Service Nominating Panel, and a member of the School-to-Career Leadership Council. He has also coached youth sports with the 21st Ward Baseball Association. 

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Karen Drew, his children Joseph, Jr. (Barbara), Kristen Artillio (Darren), Jennifer Gibbons (Sean), and Kelly Hanna (Matt).  He was proud Pop Pop to  Gabriella, Joseph, Nicholas, Jude, Finn, Jake, John, and Declan.  He is also survived by his sisters MaryAnn Skrocki, Betsy Bier, Peg McBride and many nieces and nephews. 

The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, Jul 15 at 11:00 AM at Saint Peter's Lutheran Church 3025 Church Rd., Lafayette Hill

Visitation will be held on Monday, Jul 15 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the church before the funeral service.

Joseph's Interment will be held privately



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