Senate Resolution No. 1367
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Patricia Rathschmidt,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her
community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Rathschmidt of Mahopac, New York died on July 12,
2025 at the age of 69; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 1, 1956, in The Bronx, New York to Bill and
Bridie VanSlyck, Patricia Rathschmidt grew up in Yonkers, New York, in a
large and loving family alongside her siblings: MaryJane Begley, Bill
VanSlyck, Denise O'Neill, Peter VanSlyck, Jimmy VanSlyck, and Kim
VanSlyck; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Rathschmidt distinguished herself in her
profession and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of her community; and
WHEREAS, With a warm, compassionate heart, Patricia Rathschmidt made
caring for others her professional career, first as a nurse, then later
as a nursing manager in various nursing homes; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Rathschmidt was known as a devoted wife, mother,
grandmother, sister, niece, daughter, friend, advocate, and leader; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Rathschmidt's commitment to excellence, and her
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Alongside her husband, Patricia Rathschmidt co-founded
United For The Troops, a nonprofit organization that has touched the
lives of thousands of service members across the globe, sending care
packages and spreading love and gratitude to those far from home; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Rathschmidt is survived by her beloved husband,
James Rathschmidt; her children, Denise Iarussi (Dan), Kathy Moberg
(Robert), Michael Kelly (Jen), Tracy Barrows (Michael), Tracy Hascup,
James Rathschmidt, and Teresa Reuter (Brian); her cherished 12
grandchildren, Brandt, Rori, Maci, Addisyn, John, Charlotte, Sophie,
Connor, Jaelynn, Danny, Katie, and Dillon; and her many nieces, nephews,
extended family, and dear friends; she is predeceased by her beloved
son, Luke Rathschmidt; and her parents, Bill and Bridie VanSlyck; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Patricia Rathschmidt leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Patricia Rathschmidt, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Patricia Rathschmidt.
