Leslie G. Rathbun, 80, of Stockbridge died Thursday, Oct. 11, at Fairview Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Born Oct. 16, 1937, in Pittsfield 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, he 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 World War II) 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, Connecticut, and Patrick W. Rathbun and wife Naomi G. Bliss of Northampton. Les was pre-deceased by his parents and brother William E. Rathbun.
The funeral mass for Leslie G. Rathbun will be held Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Stockbridge. Callings hours will be held Monday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 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, visit rochefuneralhome.com.
