Leslie G. Rathbun, 80, of Stockbridge died Thursday, October 11th 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 pre-deceased by his parents and brother, William E. Rathbun.
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 from 4-7 p.m. at the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Soldier On in care of the funeral home.
To share memories and stories please visit rochefuneralhome.com.
