Richard K. Rathburn

January 13, 2025

Richard K. Rathburn

ORANGE- Richard K. Rathburn (Dick) age 96, has left this world to move onto the next world, early Saturday morning, January 11. 2025. He died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. 

He was born on November 9, 1928 in Tully, MA, where he was raised. After high school Dick served in the Army Signal Corps for 2 years and trained as a communications specialist.

He worked at L.S. Starrett Co. and Union Twist Drill in Athol before landing a job with New England Telephone Co. as an installer and then a lineman where he retired in 1991 after 27 years of dedicated service.

After retirement he enjoyed working for Athol Automotive delivering parts. Dick was a member of the Franco American Club where he served as president for some time and a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge where he enjoyed socializing with friends.

He loved spending time with his  family, going out to eat and going for car rides and an occasional ice cream. He also enjoyed camping, feeding and watching the birds and spending time outdoors. He loved music and enjoyed singing and dancing. It didn’t take any coaxing at all to get him to break into song and he was very entertaining.

He and Judith enjoyed traveling to and vacationing in Florida for many years after retirement. He was a member of the Athol Congregational Church where he and Judith were married on Jan 22, 1982.

Dick never complained about a thing and always had a big smile on his face and was loved by all.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judith Rathburn of 43 years, his daughter Judy and husband Larry Adams of Wrentham, MA, his son Timothy and wife Karen Rathburn of Milton, FL, his daughter Cynthia and husband Mike Grimard of Erving, MA, his son John and wife Nancy Rathburn of Athol MA, his daughter Sandra Murcell and her life partner Topo Hakkinen of Orange MA, step son Mark and wife Lisa Cacciolfi of Wareham MA, step son George Groccia of Arizona , step son Scott Cacciolfi of Phillipston MA, step daughter Michelle and husband Douglas Perusse of Greenfield MA, 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

He was pre-deceased by parents Wesley Carl Rathburn and Helena Agnes (Laffond) Rathburn,  sister Shirley Recos, brother David Rathburn, 2 sons Daniel and Michael Rathburn, and a step daughter Tracy Cacciolfi Matthews.

Dick always had a positive attitude and his big bright smile will live on in the hearts of many.  

A calling hour will be held at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, on Jan 29, 2025 from 11a.m.-12 noon,  with funeral service to follow at 12 noon.

Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pioneer Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 329 Conway St. , Greenfield MA. 01301.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

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