Roger Myles Rattner

Liberty, New York native, Roger “Rocky” Myles Rattner, 81, passed away peacefully on February 8 after a brief illness while visiting family in California.

Rocky was a passionate sports fan his whole life. You would usually find him in team apparel: a Brooklyn Dodgers hat, a Mets shirt, 49ers jacket or in the last two years of his life, a Las Vegas Golden Knights or Raiders team jersey (unless they were playing the Jets). During most of his life, if he wasn’t watching or attending a game, you could find him playing pickup or officiating a high school competition.

Rocky loved growing up in Liberty with his late mother, Elaine (Meltzer) Rattner, his late father, Morris Rattner and his sister, Veronica “Ronnie” Ryback of Boston. His parents, along with his late Uncle Carl Meltzer, owned Camp Chic-a-Lac in Youngsville, New York. His time at camp still gave him great pleasure to talk about. He enjoyed attending reunions with people he went to camp with over a half century ago.

At Liberty High School, Rocky was a star athlete and often returned for alumni events. Following high school, Rocky attended the University at Buffalo and had many fond memories there.

After college he moved to Queens where his interest in sports led him to meet Lois (Miller), his beloved wife of over 45 years. They then moved to Long Island. He spent most of his life there before retiring from a long career with Doubleday and Nassau County and settling in Las Vegas in 2021.

Rocky was a world traveler, but you’d just as likely find him for dinner and coffee at a local diner. Being with his family and friends brought the most joy to his life.

Rocky will be greatly missed by his children Stacey Rattner (Kevin Civerolo), Judd Rattner (Ma’ayan Rosenzweig) and Rachel Rattner-Norris (Jonathan Norris) and those that call him “Grandpa”: Tari and Zackary Civerolo, Ilan and Shira Rattner and his newest grandchild, whom he cuddled lovingly on his last days, Jack Norris. Friends and extended family in New York, Pennsylvania, and Las Vegas will miss Rocky’s presence at annual Chanukah parties, family get-togethers and as a fun travel companion.

A brief service will be held Sunday, February 11 at 3:30 EST/12:30 PST with a meeting link available for those who would like to attend. Shiva will be observed in California, Castleton, New York, Las Vegas and online. Contact the family for more information.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salk Institute.

And this spring don’t forget to root for Rocky’s favorite team. Let’s go Mets!