Harry Robert Rathbun

Harry Robert Rathbun, 94, a resident of Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community, passed away at Wesbury’s Grace Health Center on Tuesday, August 30, 2016.

Born in the Bronx, NY on November 9, 1921, Harry was the only child of Margretta (Kurz) Rathbun and Harry Louis Rathbun.

Franklin Square and Long Island, NY were where Harry grew up.  As a boy, he enjoyed playing street hockey, swimming at the Atlantic Coast, and baseball.  He became a lifelong New York Yankees fan.  He graduated from Sewanhaka High School in 1941.  He then joined the U.S. Navy in July of that year being stationed in Norfolk, VA.  When war was declared, Harry was shipped to the Pacific Theater where he served our country as a parachute rigger with the rank of First Class Petty officer.  He served a total of six years.

He married Geraldine May Vaughn on July 6, 1944.  They shared forty-seven years together before she preceded him in death on February 6, 1991.

Following the war, he and Gerry came to Crawford County and raised their family near Cochranton.  He was employed at Talon, Inc. for thirty-seven years, retiring in 1984.

Harry was of the Methodist faith and a long-time member of Mumford Chapel United Methodist Church.  He was also a member of Meadville Masonic Lodge 234.  Upon retirement, he and his wife moved to the Meadville area where he enjoyed gardening, raising roses, and especially golf.  He and his wife spent many years ballroom dancing to their favorite big band music at the Meadville Community Center.

Harry is survived by two children, a daughter, Linda L. Beige of Meadville and a son, James V. Rathbun and his wife Deborah of Prospect; four grandchildren, Rebecca Beige of Saxonburg, Barbara Beers of Saegertown, Robert Rathbun and his wife Jeanette of Slippery Rock, and Eric Rathbun of Prospect.  He also had five great-grandchildren, Ryan Naples, Lindsay Beers, Zachary Naples, Gregory Beers, and Emily Rathbun.

In addition to his parents and wife Geraldine, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Larry V. Beige.

Calling hours will be Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE where the funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Sam Marchetta, Chaplain of Wesbury United Methodist Community, officiating.

Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2006, Meadville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Wesbury Foundation, 31 N. Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Wesbury Cribbs Home staff, Grace Nursing Center, and Memory Support Center for their loving care.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.