Remembering David Alan James Rathkey

David Alan James Rathkey, a United States resident since 1981, was born in 1954 in Eton, England and raised in Maidenhead, Berkeshire.

A thirteen-year resident of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, he was the father of twin sons Matthew and Ian, and a beautiful daughter Emma. He was also a soccer player on a team for people over the age of 40, and soccer coach for his daughter’s team the Mountain Lakes Electrics. An IQ Financial Systems sales executive, previous employers include Digital Equipment Corp, and Arbat Systems, the company where he met his lovely, intelligent wife Julia.

“David has had an impact on our lives, he was truly a remarkable person. He often spoke of his children, even told me of the day trips this summer with the children. David was always a pleasure to speak with as I write this I can smile because I know I’ve known a truly remarkable person, ” colleague Debbie Razak wrote in this fond remembrance of David, with whom she worked for five years.

Described by fellow residents of Mountain Lakes as “an English gentleman,” David Rathkey was beloved by his community, which sponsored a “duck race” in his memory, and in the memory of fellow Mountain Lakes resident Alayne Gentul. The community of only 4,000 people raised $100,000 at the event.

David Alan James Rathkey was on the 80th floor of the World Trade Center, on September 11, 2001. His last words were to his wife Julia, with whom he was speaking on the phone when the South Tower collapsed.

Emma Rathley’s struggle to deal with the loss of her father was the subject of this article in New York Mag.

Julia Wilcox Rathkey wrote a best selling book called What Children Need When They Grieve. The Four Essentials: Routine, Love, Honesty, and Security. You may learn more about Julia Rathkey and her book at her website.

On June 28, 2006, Julia Wilcox Rathkey married Gregg Richardson “…founder of Pittsylvania County Youth Sports, a recreation center for poor children in Virginia.” Their wedding announcement is here.

Celebrate the lives of those who are now immortal in memory, and the lives of those who are forever changed by the power of that memory.

With respect and love to the family of David Alan James Rathkey on this historic day.