Patricia "Patty" Rathschmidt

Patricia "Patty" Rathschmidt, age 21+, of Mahopac, NY, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born on July 1, 1956, in The Bronx to Bill and Bridie VanSlyck, Patty grew up in Yonkers, NY, in a large and loving family alongside her siblings: MaryJane Begley (John), Bill VanSlyck (Terry), Denise O'Neill (Paul), Peter VanSlyck (Margaret), Jimmy VanSlyck (Erin), and Kim VanSlyck.
Patty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, niece, daughter, friend, advocate, and leader. She dedicated her professional life to caring for others, working first as a nurse and later as a nursing manager in various nursing homes. But her true life's work reached far beyond her career. Alongside her husband, she co-founded United For The Troops, a nonprofit organization that has touched the lives of thousands of service members across the globe, sending care packages and spreading love and gratitude to those far from home.
Known for her boundless generosity, quick wit, and ability to make everyone feel like family, Patty had a gift for offering the right advice at the right moment and a warmth that lit up every room. Her strength and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Patty is survived by her beloved husband, James Rathschmidt; her children: Denise Iarussi (Dan), Kathy Moberg (Robert), Michael Kelly (Jen), Tracy Barrows (Michael), Tracy Hascup, James Rathschmidt, and Teresa Reuter (Brian). She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. She loved and cherished her 12 grandchildren every day of their lives. Brandt, Rori, Maci, Addisyn, John, Charlotte, Sophie, Connor, Jaelynn, Danny, Katie, and Dillon were truly the light of her life.
Patty was predeceased by her beloved son, Luke Rathschmidt, and her parents, Bill and Bridie VanSlyck.
Visitation will be held on July 16, 2025, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Joseph J Smith Funeral Home in Mahopac, NY. The funeral Mass will take place on July 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Saint John's Church in Mahopac, NY.
Patty will be deeply missed, fiercely loved, and remembered always for the joy, love, and strength she brought into the world.