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Rita Rathman Obituary
September 23, 1927 – June 13, 2025
Rita Rathman of Boynton Beach, Florida passed away on June 13, 2025, at the age of 97. Rita is survived by her son Peter of Stamford, Connecticut, her daughter-in-law Marcy, her two grandsons, Benjamin and Jason, and Jason's partner, Adam. She is predeceased by her husband, Sheldon "Shelly" Rathman, the love of her life, and by her son, Bobby, whose memory she carried with her always.
Born in The Bronx in 1927, Rita lived through nearly a century of change, leading with curiosity, optimism, and a heart full of music. Rita's love for music began early, playing the piano for family and friends during holidays and celebrations. Later, Rita went on to study education at Hunter College in New York City, focusing on music.
During summers working at children's camps, she met and fell in love with Shelly. Together, they created a beautiful life, raising a family and running Woodlane Day Camp in Irvington, New York. There they built a community where many lifelong friendships were built.
Rita's passion for piano and music was a constant throughout her life. A dedicated music teacher at P.S. 139 and then at P.S. 141 in New York City, she impacted the lives of countless students and colleagues. Her love for performance and community shone through in the school shows she directed. Even in retirement, Rita's musical spirit continued to shine. She shared her talents by leading senior choirs in Boynton Beach, arranging and conducting musical revues that blended Broadway classics, original compositions, and popular tunes. Her energy, humor, and love of all genres of music inspired everyone around her.
Rita will be remembered for her deep love for her family and friends, her beautiful spirit, and for the way she used music to bring people together. But what really defined Rita was the connections she made to the people in her life. She had so many dear friends throughout her 97 years-friends of every age and generation. She will be missed.
A graveside service for family will be held on Sunday, June 15th, with Shiva to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Hunter College https://hunter.cuny.edu/give/ , in honor of Rita's love for learning, teaching, and the arts.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Rathman
6 Entries
Bartan Kennedy
June 18, 2025
Your mom sounds like an extraordinary woman. Condolences to the Rathman family. I´m so sorry for your loss.
New Canaan, Ct. Resident
June 17, 2025
Thank you for sharing your love of Music with a countless number of students and adults.
You are directing a glorious chorus in Heaven right now.
Blessings to your family...
Sincerely,
Alba Crespo
June 16, 2025
Peter & Marcy. So sorry for your loss
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
David S Cingari
June 16, 2025
Peter and Marcy,
I am sorry to hear about your mom's passing. What an amazing woman and I know that her memory will live on in the thousands of lives she has touched through music.
My condolences,
David
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Mallory & Jim McGrath
June 15, 2025
What a lovely tribute to a sweet lady.
with love, Mal & Jim
Gregg Demetros
June 15, 2025
Peter and family. My deepest condolences to you all. Never easy to lose a parent or grandparent even at 97. May her memory be eternal and may all those wonderful memories you shared help you through the days ahead.
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