Claude E. Rathgeber

Claude E. Rathgeber, age 77 of Seneca, South Carolina and formerly of Port St. Lucie, Florida passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, May 3, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Rockaway Beach, New York on April 20, 1943, Mr. Rathgeber was the son of the late Jacob and Lena Taylor Rathgeber.  Mr. Rathgeber was a United States Air Force Veteran and he was retired as a welder from Grumman Aerospace, Inc.  He was a member and on the Church Council at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Port St. Lucie and was a member of the American Legion Post #318 and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #513.  Mr. Rathgeber had a love for music having once sang bass for The Barbershop Quartet.  He and his wife JoAnn loved to travel; they have RV’d all over the United States and have cruised all over the world.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Rathgeber is preceded in death by sister Eva Lucille Ketcham.

Survivors include his wife JoAnn Petrillo Rathgeber of Seneca, South Carolina, daughter and son in law Donna R. and Jerry Kolasinski of Stockbridge, son and daughter in law Donald S. and Carla Rathgeber of Seneca, brother G. Donald Rathgeber of Brooksville, brother and sister in law Eugene and MaryLou Rathgeber of Jensen Beach, Florida, grandchildren Mark “Danny” Hueter (Erica) of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Nicholas Hueter (Krystal) of Tampa, Florida, Duane “DJ” Macomber of Ft. Pierce, Florida, Donald Rathgeber, Jr. of Seneca, South Carolina and Samuel Lowe of Seneca, South Carolina.

In consideration of public health and safety, private graveside services will be held at Hillside Gardens Cemetery on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Patriot Hospice, 101 Grace Drive, Easley, SC 29640.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at HillsideMemorialChapel.com

Funeral arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville. 706-754-6256