Herbert Ratet

Herbert Ratet, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and beloved antiques and artwork on November 9th. He was born in Bridgeport Connecticut and raised by his single mother, Celia Reinstein Edwin and his loving grandparents.

Herb graduated from White Plains High School before attending City College of New York. He married his loving wife of over 60 years, Beulah Jacobson Ratet, in 1942 before being shipped overseas to serve in the Panama Canal Zone. He then served in Army Counter Intelligence, German Section and was one of the famed "Ritchie Boys." After the war, he entered the family interior design business, Vogue Decorators, in White Plains, NY.

He was active in Jewish organizations and was a member of the Hebrew Institute of White Plains where he served on the board and spearheaded the Leisure Thursday Program. He led the effort to reopen Jewish student organizations at 5 colleges in Westchester. In addition to his Jewish activities, he was a member of the Rotary Club.

After Beulah's passing in 2004, he moved to California and continued to be active in Jewish affairs. Herb created the Jewish studies program at his new residence, the Vi of Palo Alto and served on the Board of the Hillel of Silicon Valley. He was also a member of Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills. Additionally, he was an avid bridge player and enjoyed schmoozing with friends over a cocktail.

Herb is survived by a daughter Toni Schwartz and her husband Jerry of Tarrytown, NY and his daughter Linda Kraemer, her husband Rick of Stanford, CA and his two grandchildren, Sarah and James.

Funeral services will be held at the Hebrew Institute in White Plains at 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 13, with interment following at Sharon Gardens. A memorial service will also be held at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 20. The family will be observing Shiva at the home of Toni Schwartz, 60 Carrollwood Dr, Tarrytown on Sunday after the services, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 1pm to 8pm, and Friday 12pm to 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Hebrew Institute of White Plains, Congregation Beth Am of Los Altos Hills or your favorite Jewish organization.