James J. Razler

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of James J. Razler of Philadephia, Pennsylvania who left this life peacefully on November 16, 2024. He was a man of unshakable Catholic faith and love of God, with a gentle, kind yet humble demeanor that touched the lives of all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor (Beshel) Razler. He was also survived by his four children: Joanne Cribbs, Kathleen (Steve) Kronenbitter, Robert (Kelly) Razler and Barbara (Tom) Welsh. He was a devoted Pop-Pop and is survived by his eight loving grandchildren: Jennifer, Brian, Samantha (Josh), Thomas, Jamie, Valerie, Timothy and Rachel. 

He was born in Port Richmond on June 15, 1934, the ninth of ten children born to the late Helen (Fizur) and Bruno Razler. He was a proud graduate of Northeast Catholic High School Class of 1954. He served honorably in the Army from 1957 to 1959 and upon discharge worked several jobs before settling on his career as a United States Letter Carrier. He often told tales of the customers he served, and enjoyed meeting and talking to the folks on his route during the course of his day. He was able to enjoy an early retirement in 1989 at the age of 55.

He looked forward to his weekly outings amongst his in-laws as a team member of the Humps bowling team at Point-No-Point. He loved being a part of such large extended families, with endless parties, gatherings and celebrations being part of the role. He was warmly welcomed as a favorite brother-in-law and uncle to many. He often speckled his conversations with some of favorite euphemisms: “For Crying Out Loud”, “Judas Priest”, “Fair to Middlin’ ” and “Clear the Deck, Trash over the fantail – Dive! Dive! Dive!” being some of his most well-loved sayings. He was an avid sports fan who especially enjoyed rooting for the Eagles and Phillies. Game night was always enjoyable with many a night spent as a key Pinochle Player or being the clutch team player in Trivial Pursuit with his encyclopedic knowledge of geography and history.

Upon his retirement, he treasured above all spending time with the love of his life, Eleanor. They notably enjoyed as many jaunts as they could to soak up the breezes of the ocean and test their luck at the slots in Atlantic City. He was indeed the slot king as he loved hitting all the different casinos and flitting gleefully from machine to machine hoping Lady Luck would be on his side and that Big Payoff would make its way to him. 

Vacationing with his children and grandchildren was also a treasured activity. Wildwood, Hilton Head and the Carolinas were some of his favorite destinations. He particularly enjoyed relaxing on the beach, taking a dip amongst the waves or building sand castles with his children, then later in life with his adored grandchildren. You often heard him humming a tune, with “You are So Beautiful” being one of his favorites in homage to his lovely wife and sweetheart, whom he lovingly called Ellie. Pleasant memories too numerous to count personified the image of a man who loved fully in life and positively impacted the lives of so many. He will be greatly missed.

His Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, November 23rd at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Road, in Holland PA. Visitation will take place from 10 – 11 am, immediately followed by his funeral mass. In Lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association by clicking on the link below.

Internment will take place privately at a later date.