David Allen Rathman, 80, of Reading, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Tower Health Reading Hospital. Born in Providence, Rhode Island on October 15, 1945, he was a son of the late William Rathman and Miriam (Hummel) Rathman. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Rathman.
David was raised in Fleetwood and graduated from Fleetwood High School in 1963. He went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Secondary Education and Mathematics from Kutztown State College, while also completing graduate coursework at West Chester University. During his time at Kutztown, David was heavily involved in campus life, participating in the marching and concert bands for four years, serving as president of the Keystone Aires Glee Club, and earning membership in Kappa Mu Epsilon, the national honorary mathematics society. A talented athlete, he competed in track and field for four years in hurdles and high jump and earned the 1966 PSAC Championship Gold Medal in high jump.
David dedicated more than 4 decades to education and mentoring students. He began his career teaching mathematics at Downingtown High School before spending the majority of his career at Berks Career and Technology Center. Following his retirement, he continued teaching as an adjunct professor at Penn State Berks and RACC and also taught mathematics for West Electric, AT&T, Dana Corporation and YOP Alt. Ed. for the Reading School District.
Throughout his career, David was recognized for his contributions to education, presenting workshops for the Pennsylvania Department of Education Curriculum and Instruction Conferences in 1991, 1993, and 1994, as well as the Pennsylvania Career and Technical Education Conference in 2002. He also served on the Middle States Accreditation Team in 2003.
Music, ministry, athletics, and writing were lifelong passions for David. He loved writing and arranging music and was honored in 2003 with the RACC's on the Hill Award for organizing Brass in Praise. He also enjoyed track and field, softball, baseball, basketball and coaching youth sports. Deeply rooted in his faith, David developed and taught Bible curriculum for children and youth ministries, including serving as Children’s Ministry Director at First Presbyterian Church in Reading.
He will be fondly remembered for his dedication to education, his unwavering faith, and the kindness and encouragement he shared with everyone whose life he touched.
David's spirit will be carried on by his beloved wife of 58 1/2 years, Mary Lynne (Potteiger) Rathman; his son, Todd Rathman and his wife Denise; his daughter, Kristen Hall; his brother, Terry Rathman; and his cherished grandchildren, Rachel Rathman, Jillian Rathman, Laura Rathman, Bryce Hall, and Harry Hall III.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate David's life by attending a graveside service on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606. Those attending are asked to arrive at the cemetery entrance by 10:45 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Rescue Mission, 645 North Sixth Street, Reading, PA 19601 and/or Greenview Bible Camp, 520 Chapel Ln., Denver, PA 17517.
