In everyone’s life, there is an influence from another that shapes the very fabric of who we are, and what we become.

My father (“OPA”, as he was affectionately called by my sons) was passionate about the advancement of young people, because he felt VERY strongly that it is important to excel in whatever they do, and to stimulate others to goodness, success and happiness!

His insistence to NEVER settle for mediocrity, to demand more from yourself than you are capable of producing, and NOT to be ashamed of good conduct are characteristics we ALL should strive to achieve in our daily lives!!

The culmination of the virtues instilled in us by my father have been appropriately coined “OPA POWER” by my sons, who thought it encapsulated everything that he was about.

As you strive for excellence in the Sharks Triathlon, also remember to do your best to excel in ALL facets of your life – most importantly feel the power……”OPA POWER”!!!

ALL THE BEST!!!!

Martin W. Rauch, Jr.
Rauch Family

 

MARTIN W. RAUCH – “OPA”
Nokomis, Florida - Martin Rauch (74) died July 29, 2008, fighting Leukemia.

Born, January 20, 1934, he grew up and lived in Buffalo, NY. In 1963, he moved his family to Springville, NY where he established a successful law and real estate practice. In 1970, he began developing hospitality related properties, which led him to Venice, Florida and the construction of the Venice Motor Inn and Burger King on US 41. His love of the outdoors and exercise led him to live full time in Nokomis after 1993.

Marty “Sr.” was a character to all who knew him. He was a hardworking and dedicated family man and friend. He graduated from Canisius High School, and did undergraduate work at Georgetown University & Canisius College. While completing his degree at the University of Buffalo Law School, he worked during the day at Jaeckle, Fleishman Law Firm and in the evening as a fireman with the Buffalo Fire Department. He completed his Masters degree in Labor Law at Georgetown University while working as head of the materials distribution division for John F. Kennedy’s Presidential Campaign.

He was a humble man who helped to advance many young persons lives without recognition. He was unconventional and extremely generous. One Christmas Day a Greyhound bus broke down in front of the house, and he invited everyone in to drink, eat pasta and call their families. He loved politics, travel, reading and exercise, and spent much time on all.

His true joy was his family. Surviving him are his wife Susan Naples Rauch, of Nokomis; son Martin Rauch “Jr.” and wife Peg; daughter Marissa Rauch; daughter, Heidi Rauch and husband Lars Krutak and six grandchildren; Martin Rauch III, Christian Rauch, Benjamin Rauch, and Stephen Rauch of Sarasota and Daniela Rauch and Neena Krutak of Washington, DC.

“OPA POWER” – FEEL THE POWER!