On January 16, 2026, William Francis Rhatigan, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children. Born on June 24, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, he was the eldest son of the late Francis and Marie Rhatigan and the oldest of five boys, a role he cherished that teed up his lifelong devotion to family.

William shared 57 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Lynn - his great love and constant partner. Together they built a family rooted in love, loyalty, and laughter. He is survived by Lynn of Chelmsford, MA; his son Timothy and daughter-in-law Kathryn of West Hartford, CT; his daughter Meghan and son-in-law Joseph of Bedford, MA; and his eight treasured grandchildren—Liam, Declan, Molly, Maeve, Colin, Reagan, Nora, and Claire—who brought him endless pride and joy.

He is also survived by his brother Francis and sister-in-law Sondra of Rochester, NY; his brother Thomas and sister-in-law Samantha of Severna Park, MD; his siblings-in-law Gale and Ed Donnelly of Jupiter, FL and Joanne and Robert Ries of Sandwich, MA and his sisters-in-law Vilma Rhatigan of Commack, NY and Diane Wren Rhatigan of Kings Park, NY, along with a wide circle of extended family and friends who were deeply touched by his kindness and steady presence.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, parents-in-law George and Evelyn Fox, brothers Robert and James, and sisters-in-law Patricia and Christine. They are now reunited in heaven.

William proudly served his country as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, bravely serving in Vietnam. His military service shaped his life and values, and he instilled in his children a deep respect for service and love of country that will endure for generations.

A scholar, William was a graduate of St. John's University and earned his MBA from the University of Rochester. He went on to build a successful career as a businessman, founding and leading a variety of enterprises over the years through hard work, determination, and principled leadership.

Above all else, he loved his family and friends. He always eagerly anticipated Rhatigan gatherings, particularly Thanksgivings in Acton or at the Cape, weekends in Saratoga or Lake George, and more recently the Rhatigan Runs in Floral Park, NY. Those occasions were marked with good stories, fond memories, much laughter, and usually a healthy amount of Irish Whiskey. William cherished his lifelong friendships, especially those with his fraternity brothers from Beta Epsilon Rho, whose almost 60-year bond remained strong. When he had free time, he loved being on or in the water, either boating or swimming. He also endeavored to never miss his children's and grandchildren's games and milestones. He traveled many miles and spent many hours avidly cheering from the sidelines. A thoughtful and curious mind, he also loved reading and tackling a good crossword puzzle.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, William lived a life defined by service, love, and unwavering commitment to those he held dear. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the values he passed down, and the many lives he enriched simply by being present, dependable, and kind.

William will be waked in Shawsheen Funeral Home in Bedford, MA on February 8, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on February 9, 2026 at St. Michael's Parish, 281 Great Rd., Bedford, MA. William will be laid to rest in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA in a private burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation:  https://www.mcsf.org/donate/