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BORN
1940
DIED
2014
WILLIAM RHATICAN Obituary
WILLIAM FRANCIS RHATICAN (Age 73) "Bill"
Of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2014 at his home. Bill was born September 18, 1940 in South Orange, New Jersey to Francis and Marietta Rhatican. Mr. Rhatican was a 1958 graduate of St. Benedict's Prep, Newark and a 1962 graduate of Seton Hall University, South Orange. While at St. Benedict's he earned All-State honors as a catcher on the school's baseball team. Bill obtained his Master's degree from George Mason University in 2002. He married Leslie Morders Rhatican on August 26, 1962. After 30 years in and around the federal government, including posts on the White House staffs of two presidents and as press secretary to three Cabinet officers, Bill retired from politics and taught US history and AP Government at West Potomac High School, Fairfax County, Va. During that time, three of his AP classes wrote books on the Constitution, selected presidents and on immigration. After retiring from high school education, Bill joined the Woodbridge Campus of NOVA as an adjunct in history. Two years ago, he won the College Foundation's Service to the College Award and twice received the highly competitive VCCS professional development grant. Bill is survived by his two sons, Jeffrey and Gregory and his grandchildren Raymond, Alexis, Taylor and Elizabeth, and two brothers, Peter and James. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Marietta and his wife Leslie Morders Rhatican in 2013. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 27 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM RHATICAN
Sponsored by Danny Fazio.
John Friedman
May 20, 2020
So I was talking today about my career and mentioned Bill again. He was probably the most defining boss I ever had. He was a teacher before he officially became a teacher. I still miss him...the world was better for him being in it.
Kevin Curry
March 12, 2017
I will never forget this man. His wife passed during our 122 class. He was the best professor I had while at Northern Virginia College.
Captain Jeffrey Rhatican
December 24, 2016
I miss you Dad
June 6, 2015
Bill and Leslie were an ideal couple; their senses of humor were extraordinary. Bill was a wonderful mentor to me when I worked at The White House. Sam and I will miss him. S. White
Michele MundenGibson
April 25, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I was completely surprised on 4/25/15 to hear. I last saw Bill at my mother's Celebration of Life in 2012. He and my mother worked together for years and his family was part of my growing up. My last conversation with him is one that I will remember until I am no longer here. We reminisced about my mother and Leslie speaking of invitations to many political parties. They made arrangements to place the invitation inside his coat pocket where Leslie will discuss returning it to the coat pocket notating on accepting or declining. My mother the next morning would take the invitation and respond accordingly. Bill referred to himself has a pigeon carrier of messages between my mother and his wife. I remember Bill and Leslie very, very fondly. I also remember Jeff and Greg. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this time.
November 12, 2014
I worked with Bill at Northern Viginia Community College. Bill will be missed.
Lynelle Lockett
October 15, 2014
Mr. Rhatican was one of the nicest people who always had something nice to say.
A Whitlock
October 14, 2014
Just learned of his passing. Mr. Rhatican let me taste his lunch once! His wife made a potato and sausage dish and I commented how good it smelled! He graciously shared it. One of the good memories I had as a teacher at WEPO! Prayers and condolences to the family.
Daniel Parker
October 13, 2014
William Rhatican was probably one of the best teachers I had at NOVA. He was a good guy and you could tell he cared about his students.
Danny Fazio
September 26, 2014
You will be missed Bill such a kind and happy soul!
Krista Westerlund
September 26, 2014
He was a wonderful teacher and I learned so much from him. I will remember him fondly always.
Glenn Rempe
September 26, 2014
I am sorry for your loss and will pray for those Bill left behind.
Meredith Richard
September 26, 2014
I'm so happy to have had him as a teacher at West Potomac. He was one of the best teachers Ive ever had. My mother had worked with him at the White House. He was a great educator , and a wonderful man. He will be sorely missed.
Kat Howell
September 26, 2014
Bill touched the lives of so many of his students in many ways. He was like a grandfather to me and I will miss our lunches at Cosmopolitan and our chats. I wish I could speak to him one last time. He will be greatly missed.
Lyssa Seward
September 26, 2014
What an extraordinary man who's life touched so many. I felt honored to have met him, and to have him teach my daughter Carly at WPHS. Truly a class act! My condolences to his family and friends.
September 23, 2014
My heart felt condolences to Bill's family. New Year's Day will never be the same! God Bless,
Jackie Tyler
Robert Kittredge
September 22, 2014
My condolence to the Rhatican family. I will him in my prayer's. May he rest in Peace.
Mark Griffith
September 22, 2014
Bill Rhatican will be missed. When we were young he accompanied us on many Campouts with our Scout Troop and he helped me out greatly with my resume when I transitioned from the active Army to the private sector. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rhatican famiy.
Tom Concaugh
September 21, 2014
My sincere condolences to the whole family.
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