Obituary of Eugene Joseph Rath

Eugene Joseph “Joe” Rath, Jr, 52, of Mt. Carmel, TN, formerly of Mount Pleasant, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2019, at home surrounded by those who loved him. He courageously fought a three year battle with colon cancer.

He was born December 7, 1966, in Mt. Pleasant, a son of Eugene and Marjorie (Earle) Rath.  He graduated from Mt. Pleasant Area High School in 1984. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving 10 years. During his tour of duty, he served as a Staff Sergeant in Desert Shield/Storm. Joe received AF Commendation Medal, AF Achievement Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award, and several training awards. Following his honorable discharge, Joe was employed by Tele-Optics Incorporated since September 1999.

Joe loved his daughters dearly and was one of their swim team’s biggest supporters. He enjoyed outdoor activities and was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his daughters, Emily and Kaitlyn Rath, at  home; grandmother Edith Earle of Montréal, Quebec; brother Michael Rath and his wife Andrea of Pittsburgh; sister Jaime Golobish and her husband Larry of Mt. Pleasant; father & mother-in-law, Steve and Argie Vernon; sister & brother-in-law Christina and Jonathan Hammonds of Duffield, VA; Melissa Jones and Darrell Pitman of Big Stone Gap, VA; numerous nieces and nephews, and good friends Mike and Jeana Odle. Joe was preceded in death by his grandparents Ernest and Agnes Rath and Charles R. Earle.

Family and friends are invited to attend Joe’s Memorial Service Friday December 13^th at 11:00AM at the Galone-Caruso Funeral Home, 204 Eagle St. Mt. Pleasant, PA with his cousin, the Rev. Steve Rath, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. To offer an online condolence, please visit our web site at: www.galone-carusofuneralhome.com