Brendan T. Rhatigan, Phd

Brendan T. Rhatigan, PhD, of Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Lake Ariel, PA, passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, 2024. His loving wife of 56 years is the former Carolyn Coffey. Carolyn and Brendan were engaged during their high school prom. They had a great marriage and set an example for many others.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Brendan X. and Doris Barry Rhatigan. Prior to retirement, Brendan held several executive and leadership positions with National Pharmaceutical Associates, Oppenheim, Appel, and Dixon, and Smith Barney. Brendan was a pioneer in Data Processing and Management Information Services, commonly known today as Information Technology. He built and ran computer rooms for several accounting firms at a time when punch cards and mainframe computers were used.

He was a graduate of Richmond Hill HS, St. Francis College, St, Johns University, and Trinity Southern University. Brendan went straight into the Army from High School. He returned to college in his late 30’s. At St. Francis, Brendan did it “his way”. Brendan did not just attend classes to earn his degree. He joined the student government and various business clubs while at St. Francis engaging fully in the experience giving advice to younger students.

Brendan was a United States Army Veteran. He enlisted in the US Army in 1966 during the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of E-5 Seargent while stationed at Grafenwohr, Germany with the Military Police. Brendan and Carolyn lived in Vilseck, Germany for 3 years enjoying the experience of living internationally.

By far, Brendan’s favorite hobby is singing. He sang every Friday after work on Wall St. Brendan’s favorite artists were Frank Sinatra, Al Jarreau, Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett, Billy Joel, and Elton John. He was an avid viewer of The Voice and American Idol. Brendan sang at any wedding he attended. He especially loved singing his wedding song, “More” and “My Way”. Brendan’s other hobbies were swimming, golfing, bowling, motorcycles, and Disney.

Also surviving is his son Brendan T. Rhatigan and his wife Sheila of Pismo Beach, CA; a sister Kathleen McCarthy of Queens, NY; brothers James Rhatigan of Crete, IL, and Kevin Rhatigan of Dunedin, FL; grandchildren Christopher Rhatigan, Samantha McCullough, Brendan X. Rhatigan, Austin Rhatigan, and Colleen Rhatigan; great-grandchildren Octavia and Link McCullough; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Jennifer Rhatigan; sister Doris Korovich; brothers Robert, Patrick, and Terrence Rhatigan.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 5th at 11:00am at the James Wilson Funeral Home, 143 Gravity Rd. Lake Ariel, PA.

Friends may call from 9:00am until the time of service at the funeral home.

Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Brendan’s memory may be made to Wounded Warriors (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org).

For directions, to share a memory, or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.jameswilsonfuneralhome.com