Herbert Bennett Raiffie
Obituary
December 24, 1938 - May 1, 2026
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Herbert Bennett Raiffie, 87, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026.
Born December 24, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri, Herb spent most of his life there before moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he lived his final two years with his son and grandson.
Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Harry C. and Susan (Grunberg) Raiffie, and his brother, Leonard Raiffie. He is survived by his children, Jennifer Leigh Raiffie and Dr. Jeffrey Aaron Raiffie; his beloved grandson, Barrett Jeffrey Raiffie; his sister, Marilyn Raiffie Shallenberger; his sister-in-law, Vicky Raiffie; and a loving extended family including nieces and nephews Stacey Raiffie Fendelman (sons Zack and Ross), Cheri Raiffie Rich (husband Scott; children Ben and Lilly), Kimberly Shallenberger Cameron (husband Darin ‘Sid’), and Robert Shallenberger Jr. (wife Johanna; sons Robert III and Mark).
A graduate of University City High School and Washington University in St. Louis, Herb was an active Boy Scout in his youth and served in the United States Army, completing his training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He began his career in the family business, Raiffie Vending Company, and later found his stride in men's retail, spending many years selling Polo. His lifelong interest in state and national politics was shaped in part by his proximity to his father through 18 years of service as a Missouri State Representative.
Affectionately known as "Uncle Herb" in St. Louis and "Grandpa Herbie" in Arizona, Herb was kind, easygoing, and quick to make friends wherever he went. His grandson Barrett was his pride and joy. Swing dancing was his passion for more than 40 years, and the dance community remained a deep source of friendship and joy throughout his life. In 2022 at 83 years old, Herb was inducted into the Midwest Swing Dance Federation Hall of Fame. A celebration of life in St. Louis and Scottsdale will be shared with family and friends at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in Herb's name to Arizona Autism United (AZA United) at the following web address: