William Stock Rathbun passed away October 6, 2024, at his home in Leverett, MA.

Bill was born on August 4, 1944, in Boston, MA. The son of the late William A. Rathbun and Yvonne (Racine) Rathbun. Raised on the south shore of Massachusetts, Bill was a gifted artist. He pursued his passion by studying at Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, MA and further received a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Bill painted and taught art for decades. His works are scattered all over New England and beyond. He was inspired by the majestic landscape of the Pioneer Valley. Bill found the beauty in nature that most overlook and he shared it with us all. 

There was much more to Bill’s his life than his art. He was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, family man, friend, and teacher. He loved his family and friends unconditionally and was always there with a helping hand or wisdom. A true renaissance man, Bill was a historian, a musician, a romantic, a handyman, a mechanic, and above all, a kind and gentle person. He was everything you needed him to be when you needed it. He loved working with kids, sharing his knowledge and talent and inspiring everyone to realize that there is an artist in all of us.

Bill leaves his wife Jane (O’Connor) Rathbun of 53 years. Bill and Jane met in Boston in the 1960’s, moved to the Pioneer Valley in 1978 and never left. Bill also leaves his three sons, Justin (wife Darcy) of Shutesbury, Scott (wife Lavonne) of Pelham, and Josh of Hadley. He also leaves his four cherished grandsons, William, Jack, Scotty, and James; his two brothers, John, and Chris and many nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers of please consider a donation to Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst. http://www.fisherhome.org

The Rathbun family warmly welcomes family and friends to join us in a “Celebration of Bill’s Life” on Saturday, November 2 from 11:30AM to 3:00 PM at the Inn on Boltwood, 30 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, MA 01002.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com