Albert E. “Al” Rawling, 86, of Auburn, passed away peacefully Friday, April 11th in the comfort of his home surround by his loving family. He leaves his wife of 62 years, Norma R. (Bugdenovich) Rawling; four daughters, Elizabeth L. Regan and her husband Paul of Shrewsbury, April E. Dennis and her husband Robert of Fullerton, CA, Paula A. Delaplane of Canyon Country, CA, and Lisa J. Rawling and her fiancé Juan Gonzales of Solvang, CA; a sister, Norma Malo and her husband Ernest of Holden; two grandchildren, Matthew J. Regan of Shrewsbury and Heather N. Regan of Storrs, CT. He was predeceased by a son, John A. Rawling, in 1985, a brother, Edward Rawling, and a son-in-law, Edward Delaplane.
He was born in Shrewsbury, the son of Ernest B. and Bernice (LeRoy) Rawling, and graduated from Classical High School in Worcester and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. Mr. Rawling was a kiln engineer for Bay State Abrasives for many years, retiring in 1988. He was also a civil engineer and worked as a self-employed surveyor. A U.S. Army veteran, he served during World War II at the Panama Canal. He was an avid Bruins and Red Sox fan, and also enjoyed traveling.
Mr. Rawling was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. He was most proud of his family, and enjoyed spending time with them. Al’s family would like to acknowledge and express their sincere gratitude for the compassionate care he received from his many caregivers during his illness.
The funeral service will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 22nd in St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 35 School Street. Burial will be at a later date. The family requests that flowers be omitted and donations in Albert’s memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.