Earle S. Rathbun Jr., 85

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Earle Stanley Rathbun Jr., 85, of Lanesborough passed away December 22, 2017. 

Born in Pittsfield, September 17, 1932, he was the son of the late Earle S. and Violet McCoy Rathbun, Sr. He was a 1952 graduate of Pittsfield High School and then went on to join the US Army. A Korean War veteran, Mr. Rathbun worked for South Street Chevrolet and Lindsay Chevrolet. In 1961 he became owner and operator of Rathbun Auto.

Mr. Rathbun enjoyed fishing and hunting, as well as spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

He leaves his wife, the former Joan Fox, whom he married May 30,1953. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Carol Sheehan and husband Michael of Pittsfield, Donna Lopiano of Connecticut, Robert Rathbun and wife Tina, of Lanesborough, James Rathbun and wife Debora  of Lanesborough, Paul Rathbun and wife Kellie of Pittsfield and Thomas Rathbun and wife Pamela of Lanesborough. Mr. Rathbun also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Michael, Patrick, Jessica, Katie, Tyler, Justin, Trevor and Christopher; and five great-grandchildren. 

Funeral notice: The funeral for Earle Rathbun Jr. will be held Saturday, December 30, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield. Burial will be in Pittsfield Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Friday, December 29, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield. Donations made be made in his name to the Berkshire Humane Society or the Friends of Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter.