Capt. Benjamin F. Rathbun of Noank, set sail from this world on July 31, 2011.
Born April 26, 1928 to Capt. Benj. F. Sr. and Anna (Johnson) Rathbun, Ben was a 1946 graduate of Fitch HS. He married Rosalie Wilkes of Chicago on October 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 NH, & Katherine Rathbun
(& Bill) Falcone of Noank. Ben is also survived by grandchildren Jeremy & Nathaniel Rathbun and Amy & 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 1976-2000 he was owner/operator of Rathbun Marine Survey and 1981-1988 Ben & Rose ran Noank Rose Sailing Charters. He was past Chairman of the Advisory Council to CT Sea Grant Advisory Service, & appointed in 1986 by the Secretary of Commerce to the National
Sea Grant Review Panel, where he served as Chairman 1988-1989. Ben also served as a member of the Natl. Extension Committee of the Food & Agriculture
Sciences, USDA, 1990-1991. 1991-1997 he served on the NE Fisheries Council and was Chairman of the Council's Large
Pelagics Oversight Committee. His civic activities include past President of the CT 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 Exec. 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 Exec. Board, Noank Cemetary Assoc. He was the author of several books, including "Capts. B.F. Rathbun of Noank" and a history of LI 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 at the Latham Chester Store, Saturday, August 13th from 2-5.
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 condolence or remembrance with his family, please click the link below.