John Duncan Raithel

John Duncan Raithel, 81, passed away on March 23, 2024, in Cornelius, NC (Lake Norman). Born on October 11, 1942 in St. Louis, Jack’s journey through life was nothing short of extraordinary.

Professionally, John’s career began post graduate school as an instructor at Washington University in St. Louis teaching computer coding, a very cutting edge skill at that time. He then took his analytical and mathematical excellence to became an Actuary (Fellow) and then a fund manager for General American soon after becoming a Charter Financial Analyst (CFA). John moved his family to New York to head up Options & Futures for Chase. He then moved south to Charlotte, NC to be the Head of Fixed Income at First Union’s Capital Markets group. After becoming an empty nester, Jack jetted to Los Angeles to be the Chief Financial Officer for Pilgrim Mutual Funds. Finally “retiring” at age 53, Jack got a little bored and started several hedge funds, including the successful Target Volatility Fund, which he later brought his son Bryan into the fold to run. As was his spirit, he also had fun doing taxes on the side.

Graduating from Normandy High School in St. Louis in 1960, John began his college career at Purdue. He then transferred to TCU (Texas Christian University) on a full fellowship to pursue his passion for numbers and received an undergraduate in Math and a MBA. While at TCU, he became a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

Beyond the confines of his professional life, John was cherished for his unique personality - characterized by an extremely dry sense of humor and a penchant for dad jokes. He loved more edgy humor all while listening to music from the 50s and 60s. His often quiet kind soul and unwavering work ethic were traits that defined him both personally and professionally. He loved talking finance with anyone who would listen, but mostly enjoyed the time he spent with each person he helped.

John's devotion extended to his role as a loving husband to, “my beautiful bride” Barbara, whom he cared for when needed while married 56 years. Both his kids attest that he was a great dad and a hard working man.

John excelled in chess, loved having drinks while watching the lake with wife Barb, trips with his daughter Gina, talking shop with son Bryan and grandson Daniel, watching his other grandson JT play basketball. He was so proud of his, “beautiful granddaughter” Casey at competitive cheer. He found joy in preparing taxes as a means of fostering camaraderie. Living on Lake Norman provided him solace and tranquility as he embraced the serenity of the water.

John now joins his parents Norman John Raithel and Ramona Duncan Raithel in eternal peace. He leaves behind a legacy cherished by his surviving family - his beloved wife Barbara Raithel; devoted daughter Gina Raithel; hard working son Bryan Raithel; cherished grandchildren Daniel, Casey, and JT; along with his sister Judy Milbank.

A memorial service to honor the life of John Duncan Raithel will be held at Raymer - Kepner in Huntersville, NC on April 9, 2024. The visitation will commence at 11:00am followed by a reflection of John’s life at 11:30. In celebrating John's life, we look upon a man whose impact reverberates through both professional achievements and personal connections. May his memory remain etched in our hearts as we bid farewell to a remarkable individual whose essence will forever resonate within us.