Obituary of Francis A. Rath

Francis "Effie" A. Rath, 89, passed away peacefully July 25, 2023 in Niagara Hospice House surrounded by his loving family. Born July 22, 1934 in Lockport, he was the son of Frank and Mildred (Driscoll) Rath.

Francis retired from Harrison Radiator where he worked for 40 years as a Tool & Die Maker. He was a 1952 graduate of DeSales Catholic High School and a member of St. John the Baptist Church. He served as an Alderman of the 5^th Ward, Council President, and Alderman-at-large for the City of Lockport.  

He was an avid golfer playing for the Matty Bork Golf League and the UAW Retirees League. He was a semi-pro baseball player and later coached little league baseball.  He was a loyal and enthusiastic fan of the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees.

Eff is survived by his wife Theresa (Pasceri) Rath having recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary; children Kristine (Michael) Ennis, Karla (Don Lawrence) Rath, Andrew (Kathy) Rath, Julie (Daniel) Stapleton; and grandchildren Corey (Joseph) Wagner, Ryan (Spencer) Ennis, Nathan Ennis, Rozalia Borkman, Bryan Rath, Eric Rath, Raymond Rath, Hailey (Joel) Betti, and Sawyer Stapleton; great grandchildren, Joseph, Michael, Jackson, Rory, Marleigh and Luna; siblings Jack Rath and Susie (Jack) Rising; also several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Beverley Rath, who died in 1937. 

There will be no prior visitation. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Wednesday, August 2^nd at 11 AM at St. John the Baptist RC Church, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport. Interment at St. Peter's Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Visit pruddenandkandt.com.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made in the name of Francis to Niagara Hospice and DeSales Catholic School. The family would like to thank the entire staff of Niagara Hospice and especially his nurse, Kelly for the compassionate comfort and care she provided to Francis and our entire family.