Henry (Heinz) C. Rathmann, 88, formerly of Johnson City and Vestal, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 29, 2008, at the Gilmour Health Care Facility, United Method Homes, Norwich, N.Y. He was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Anna Rathmann; and by his wife of 58 years, Sylvia (Barth) Rathmann. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Jeffrey Gibbon, Norwich, N.Y.; son and daughter-in-law, David and Teresa Rathmann, Ithaca, N.Y.; son and daughter-in-law, John and Diane Rathmann, Millersville, Md.; four grandchildren, Amanda and Rebecca Gibbon, Daniel Rathmann and Lindsey Haag; his sister-in-law, Betty Riker, Binghamton, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. Henry was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1926 with his parents. He graduated from Johnson City High School in 1940. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 and proudly served his country during World War II in England and France. He was a retired employee of the GAF Corporation where he worked as a design engineer for 40 years. During his retirement he enjoyed taking care of his home and gardens and especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A funeral service will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the Barber Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 428 Main St., Johnson City, N.Y. The Rev. Andrew Stehlik, Pastor of West Presbyterian Church where Henry was a lifelong member, will officiate. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory can be made to West Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 80 Main St., Binghamton, N.Y. 13905. The family extends thanks to the nurses and staff at Gilmour for their loving care of Henry during his last months with us.