DELMAR – George M. Rhatigan, 78, retired lieutenant of the Albany Fire Dept., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the Community Hospice Inn in Albany.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on October 7, 1938, he was the son of the late Gerard and Helen Ryan Rhatigan. At the age of 3, George moved with his family to Albany where he attended St. Joseph’s Academy. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps serving as a buck sergeant from 1955-58. Following his marriage in 1959, George and his wife Susan raised seven children in the Pine Hills neighborhood in Albany.
George joined the Albany Fire Department in 1959 and served the City of Albany for over 35 years. He spent most of his career on Engine 2 in Arbor Hill before retiring in 1995. He was proud of the four generations of Rhatigan's on the AFD, his father serving as head of fire communications and later working with his two brothers and four sons and later seeing his grandson join the department.
His family meant everything to him. He most enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren at family occasions and the holidays, as well as fishing with his sons and attending his grandchildren’s numerous sporting and school events. George also enjoyed spending time with his brothers and sisters laughing and sharing stories about growing up on the hill in Dudley Heights. He wintered in Florida for many years where he enjoyed golfing and the company of good friends. He was a member of the Albany Elks and was a communicant of St. Vincent DePaul and later Mater Christi Parish both in Albany.
George is the beloved husband of 57 years of Susan Molloy Rhatigan; the best dad of Gerard (Karen) Rhatigan, Julie (Jim) Lennon, Brian (Debbie) Rhatigan, Laetitia (Tom) Lynch, Susie Rhatigan, Brendan (Tami) Rhatigan and Justin (Carol) Rhatigan; loving brother of Elaine (late Jack) Fahey, Katherine (late Robert) Waugh, Edward (late Maureen) Rhatigan, Laetitia Rhatigan, Melanie Martin, Geraldine Rhatigan, Michael (Joyce) Rhatigan, Dolores (Jim) Conroy, Mary Rhatigan and the late Gary (Lynn) Rhatigan, Elizabeth (late Arnold) Bell and Mary Jo Rhatigan; brother in law of Jude (Norine) Molloy and Anthony Molloy. He is the proud grandfather of 18 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral mass on Friday at 12 noon at the Parish of Mater Christi, 40 Hopewell Street in Albany with Rev. John F. Tallman officiating. There are no public calling hours. He will be interred at a later date at the Saratoga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 or to the Capital City Rescue Mission, PO Box 1999, Albany, NY 12201.
Condolence book at bowenandparkerbros.com.

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