Robert John Rathe, Sr.'s Obituary
Robert John Rathe, “Sonny”, born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 15, 1928, died at his home in Covington due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease at 3:00 PM on March 25, 2007 at the age of 78.
He was a graduate of Jesuit High School and Loyola University where he was honored as Loyola Alumni Business Man of the Year in 1997. Mr. Rathe was a member of the Heritage Society of Loyola University and was a long time Business Executive in the Document Imaging Industry in Louisiana and Texas. He was the President and CEO of Data Processing Center in New Orleans and Southern Microfilm Corporation in Metairie. Mr. Rathe was a native of New Orleans and a resident of Covington for the past 45 years. He was a member of The National Guard, an entrepreneur, and an avid outdoorsman. He was a frequent supporter and benefactor of charitable groups and foundations. In 1997 He and his brother Gustave, donated a computer lab, which was named in their honor to Loyola University. Throughout his life he supported numerous Catholic Charities throughout the region including, Covenant House, Our Lady of The Lake Church and School, St. Paul’s School and Manressa Retreat House. In 1991 he played an integral roll in the Associated Catholic Charities fund raising campaign. He was also an antique aficionado and frequently donated rare books to The Loyola Library. He and his family were longtime members of Our Lady of the Lake Parish and most recently Mary Queen of Peace in Mandeville. He was a member of the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Foundation.
Mr. Rathe was preceded in death by his parents Gustave Henry Rathe and Euxenia Baccich Rathe. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years Joan Ducote Rathe, his brother Gustave H. Rathe, Jr. of Charlottesville Virginia, sisters Jane Gregory of Covington, Barbara Rathe of Washington D.C., and Norma Steele of New Orleans. His sons Robert John Rathe, Jr. and his wife Jennifer, Richard Rathe, David Rathe and his wife Marie, Stuart Rathe, Brian Rathe and his wife Beth, and daughters Jan Tilly and her husband Mike, Susan Illing and her husband Scott, and Lynne Laibe and her husband Chris. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1501 West Causeway Approach, Mandeville, Louisiana 70471 on Wednesday March 28, from 10:30 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. A funeral mass will follow visitation beginning at 12:30 P.M. Committal Services will be at Lake Lawn Cemetery in Metairie following the service.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of St. Tammany and or on behalf of Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org.
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