Leslie G. Rathbun, 80

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Leslie G. Rathbun, 80, of Stockbridge died Thursday, October 11, 2018, at Fairview Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 16, 1937, in Pittsfield, Mass., to the late Walter and Irene Shepard Rathbun, he attended the former Williams High School, graduated in 1955 and then went to UMASS and received a bachelor’s in history in 1959. He worked at the New England Telephone Company and retired as an award-winning sales manager. With good friend, Sam Dellea, they started and ran Berkshire County Cellular for many years. 

Les was a lifelong resident of Stockbridge, but did not abide its winters. He became a Florida snowbird in later years. He also took on various civic duties in his beloved hometown. He was an avid sports fan (especially of the Yankees and Patriots) and coached and umpired Little League baseball for many years. Les continued to study history (especially WWII) and excel at Jeopardy on a regular basis. His generosity and sense of humor are his foremost lasting legacies.

Les married Christine B. Valenti on October 24, 1969. He was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Stockbridge. 

Besides his wife, Les is survived by his children, Elizabeth I. Rathbun of New Haven, Conn., and Patrick W. Rathbun and his wife Naomi G. Bliss of Northampton, Mass.

Les was predeceased by his parents and his brother, William E. Rathbun.

Funeral notice: The funeral mass for Leslie G. Rathbun will be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Stockbridge. Callings hours will be held on Monday evening, October 15, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Soldier On in care of the funeral home.