Capt. Michael D. Rathman (USAF Ret.)

HOLYOKE

Michael D. Rathman, 63, of Holyoke, beloved husband of Kelley (Hayes) Rathman, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at The Soldiers’ Home, Holyoke on Friday, December 7. Born in Dunkirk, NY on July 27, 1955, he was the son of the late Milton and Dorothy Rathman. After graduating from Fredonia High School in 1973, Michael served as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist at Plattsburgh AFB in New York. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1977 and was selected as an Aircraft Inspection Team Supervisor at the age of 21. Michael was then assigned as a recruiter in Hamburg, NY. The USAF quickly recognized Mike’s mentoring spirit, and advanced him to the position of Guidance Counselor at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Buffalo, NY, and from there Mike continued to shine and took on many challenging and rewarding roles until his retirement in 1995 from Offutt AFB in Nebraska, having risen to the rank of Captain. Michael had also earned his BA from Columbia College, MO. He then was employed as a Marketing Director at Channing Bete Publishing in South Deerfield, MA, and then as a Field Representative at Martin’s Point (US Family Health Plan,) based in Portland, ME. Mike was a lover of life and laughter, books, movies, music and travel. He was a history buff, and loved sharing stories of reflection on his life. Mike married his first wife, Beth Loiocano, in 1973. They had two wonderful sons, Aaron and Sean. Mike will be deeply missed by his wife Kelley, sons Aaron and Sean, step sons Michael and Samuel Lamontagne, his loving siblings Tom Rathman, Judy Dankert, Mary McKillip and Eric Rathman, his 7 grandchildren, Michael, Sunshine, Zachary, Darren, Dacota, Aiden and Aubrey, along with many beloved nieces and nephews, his very special sister and brother-in-law Lynn and Abdullah Rehayem, his Church family, and his loving and amazing caregivers of 2 North at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. The family wishes to thank those caregivers, along with Marianne and Monica of Western Mass. VNA and Hospice, the Hospice Care Unit, and team of the Soldiers’ Home Holyoke, and all who have lent their love, and support. Calling hours will be Wednesday, December 12 from 4pm-7pm at Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St. in Holyoke, MA. Family and friends are asked to gather for a Life celebration to be held Thursday, December 13 at 11am at Easthampton Congregational Church, 112 Main St. in Easthampton, MA. Interment will be Friday morning at 10am at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Soldiers Home, Holyoke, MA or the Alzheimer’s Association in Michael’s memory.

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