Thomas F. ?Tom? Rathbun Sr., 73, a longtime resident of Mechanic Street, Salisbury Center, died accidentally on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2005, after being struck by a motor vehicle near Harrisburg, Pa., while returning home with his family from a Civil War reenactment in Cedar Creek, Va. Tom was born Jan. 27, 1932, in Herkimer, son of the late John and Bertha (Burger) Rathbun. He was a graduate of Mohawk High School. Tom was a proud veteran, serving with the U.S. Army. His military career spanned over 35 years, beginning with the Korean War in 1953 and ending in 1992 with the rank of Command Sgt. Major in the U.S. Army Reserves. Tom was united in marriage to Mary Gifford at St. Mary's Church, Little Falls, on Aug. 2, 1952. They shared a blessed and devoted union of 53 years. Tom was last employed by Chicago Pneumatic in Utica, retiring in 1990 with 25 years of dedicated service. For the past 10 years Tom and his family have been active Civil War reenactors with the 9th Battalion Middlesex Light Artillery. Owning four Civil War muzzle loading cannons and related equipment, Tom and his family attended over 20 events throughout the year, from North Carolina to Vermont, taking part in the education and display of the Civil War era and their artillery. This was an opportunity for Tom to ?pass along? his knowledge and experience of 35 years in the military to others, but also for the Rathbun family to be together, enjoying the camaraderie of friends. Tom was an active school sports official for section 7; he was instrumental in the development and management of the Salisbury Center Youth Center, and was a founding member of the Dolgeville Booster Club. Survivors include his loving wife, Mary, at home; his children and their spouses, Thomas Jr. and Paula Rathbun of Salisbury Center, John and Mary Jean Rathbun of Indian Lake, Mary Jo Stevenson of Tennessee, Timothy and Jackie Rathbun of Mohawk, Richard and Karen Rathbun of Vermont; his cherished grandchildren, Melissa Barretta, Alexandra and Danielle Rathbun, Joseph Thomas Rathbun, Jamie Patrick Rathbun, Karleigh and Miranda Rathbun, Timothy Rathbun Jr., Sarah Marie and Richmond Lee Rathbun; his brothers, sisters and their spouses, John ?Bud? and Betty Rathbun of Ilion and Malcom and Doris Rathbun of Little Falls, Rod Rathbun of North Carolina, Jerry Rathbun of Little Falls, Judy Rathbun of Johnstown, Betsy, Dianne and Rebecca Rathbun, all of Arizona, Bonnie Rathbun, Richard Rathbun of Dolgeville; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rita Burnetter of Ballston Spa, Bob and Mary Gifford of Oregon, Francis and Arlene Gifford of Salisbury Center, Fran Gifford of Mayfield, many nieces, nephews, extended family members and his many friends, especially the Civil War reenactor community. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael Rathbun, and members of the Gifford family. Family and friends are invited to visitation on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls. All are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of St. Joseph, 31 N. Helmer Ave., Dolgeville, on Thursday, Oct. 20, commencing at 10 a.m. Tom's interment with full military honors will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Saratoga National Cemetery. All arrangements are under the direction of John J. Day. In lieu of floral offering, please consider memorials in Tom's name to Constance Carry Camp, an organization dedicated to the preservation and recognition of forgotten Confederate Civil War veteran's graves. Donation envelopes will be available at the Enea Funeral Home and church. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.