Jacob (Jack) Israel Raby M.S.W.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jacob Raby on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the age of eighty-six, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband and best friend of Eva Roskies for fifty-eight years. Loving and revered father and father-in-law of Benjamin (Benji) and Jacalyn Rosenblatt of Newton, Massachusetts, and Joanna (JoJo) and Elliot Halperin of Riverdale, New York.

Adored Zaydie of Sydney and Ariella; Lilly and Elisha. Cherished brother of Hilda (Hindy) Raby, and predeceased by his other siblings and their spouses, Sam Raby (Dorothy), Sol Raby (Helen), and Rebecca Bolton (Buddy). Devoted brother-in-law of the late Benjamin Roskies (Louise), Ruth and the late Leonard Wisse, and David and Shana Roskies. He is deeply mourned by his many nephews and nieces, cousins, and devoted friends and colleagues.

Jacob loved his family above all else and reveled in the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was an empathic and intuitive psychotherapist, social worker, professor, and psychoanalyst who mentored a generation of students at the McGill University School of Social Work; established and administered the Family Services Association in Laval; and dedicated himself to healing those who came to him in crisis. He was the first non-medical therapist to be accepted by the Canadian Psychoanalytic Society, thereby opening the door for others to follow. His concern for excellence in education led to his long involvement with JPPS Bialik, where he served on the board for more than a decade, including one term as President. The family is grateful to the Geriatric and Palliative Care departments of the Jewish General Hospital for their dedicated and compassionate care.

Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean-Talon St. West, on Thursday, September 25 at 2:00 p.m. Burial at the Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem Congregation Cemetery, de la Savane.  Shiva at his home. Donations in his memory may be made to JPPS Bialik, 514-731-6456 or to the Jewish Public Library, 514-345-2627 ext 3033 or click here.