Byfield - Manfred Raschke of Byfield MA passed away peacefully March 28, 2026 at Anna Jaques Hospital. In addition to his beloved wife of 39 years, Cynthia, he is survived by son William and wife Ashley of Haverhill MA, son Derek and wife Jenny of Hampden ME, and five grandchildren ages 2 to 8.

Manfred received a BA from the University of Toronto, further post-grad education at SUNY Buffalo, and institutes abroad in Rome, Athens, Cairo, and England, and ultimately, a PhD in Economic History from Harvard University. After serving as a professor of history at Duke University and UC Davis, Dr. Raschke joined the corporate world as an Energy Economist.

Manfred's passions were skiing, swimming, hiking, and playing with toy soldiers and Brio train track sets with his family. He liked music, entertaining and cooking exotic recipes he discovered from his many travels.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, 63 Elm St. Salisbury MA 01952 https://mrfrs.org/.

Manfred's Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 2, at 11:00 am at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 26 Pleasant Street, Newburyport.