Benjamin F. Rathbun

Groton - Capt. Benjamin F. Rathbun of Noank set sail from this world on July 31, 2011.

Born April 26, 1928, to Capt. Benjamin F. Sr. and Anna (Johnson) Rathbun, Ben was a 1946 graduate of Fitch High School.

He married Rosalie Wilkes of Chicago on Oct. 7, 1950.

Ben is survived by his wife, who lovingly cared for him throughout his long battle with Parkinson's disease; his son, Franklin (Suzanne) Rathbun of Mystic; and daughters, Beth (John) Lukin of New Hampshire and Katherine Rathbun (Bill) Falcone of Noank. Ben is also survived by grandchildren, Jeremy and Nathaniel Rathbun and Amy and Alden Falcone; and by his brother, John of Noank.

He was predeceased by his son, Robert.

Ben ran the charter boat Anna R for more than 30 years. During winters he worked as a carpenter, delivered boats to various ports, worked aboard the Cross Sound Ferry, and also built two sportfishing boats for his own business. Ben finished his career by narrating lighthouse cruises for the Sunbeam Express.

From 1976 to 2000 he was owner/operator of Rathbun Marine Survey, and from 1981 to 1988, Ben and Rose ran Noank Rose Sailing Charters. He was past chairman of the Advisory Council to Connecticut Sea Grant Advisory Service, and was appointed in 1986 by the Secretary of Commerce to the National Sea Grant Review Panel, where he served as chairman in 1988 and 1989. Ben also served as a member of the National Extension Committee of the Food & Agriculture Sciences, USDA in 1990 and 1991. From 1991 to 1997, he served on the New England Fisheries Council and was chairman of the council's Large Pelagics Oversight Committee. His civic activities include past president of the Connecticut Boatmans' Assoc., and a member of the Charity & Relief #72 Masonic Lodge and four other York Rite bodies.

Ben remained until his passing a Noank Town Father and member of the Noank Fire District Executive Committee and commissioner for the Noank Water Dept. He is past president and Historian Emeritus of the Noank Historical Society, a life-long member of the Noank Fire Dept., and was a member of the Executive Board, Noank Cemetery Association.

He was the author of several books, including "Capts. B.F. Rathbun of Noank" and a history of Long Island Sound lighthouses.

Because he was quite uncomfortable with funerals, where he noted "most people, including the deceased, don't have any fun", in 2003, his family hosted a pre-demise "a-wake" celebration at the Latham Chester Store which included live music and a large assortment of food and drink shared by family and friends. Everyone there, including the not-yet-deceased Capt. Ben, had a great time at this uniquely unconventional gathering.

At his request, there will be no funeral. However, in the spirit of the 2003 gathering, the family will host a celebration of Ben's memory from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Latham Chester Store.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to "Moose" Gilbert, Dr. Jeffrey Christian, Faith Allen, and Bernie Mullins, whose care and devoted support meant more than they will ever know.

Contributions may be made to the Noank Valley Cemetery Assoc., the Noank Historical Society, or the Noank Fire Dept.

To share a message of remembrance/condolence, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com