Obituary: Nathaniel B. ‘Butch’ Rabe, 43, Of Meriden

MERIDEN, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Nathaniel B. “Butch” Rabe, 43, of Meriden, passed away August 10, 2023 after a courageous battle with Esophageal Cancer.

He was born in Meriden on July 7, 1980, a son of Bonnie Lee (Cardini) Rabe of Meriden and Lutz Rabe of Middletown.

Nathaniel was a master mechanic. He owned and operated Rabe Motorsports, a high-performance auto facility in Wallingford for many years. He had faithful customers from across the northeast.

Nate also competed in a number of National USPCA Championships and was ranked in the 1st Master Class level. He was an avid motorcycle, dirt bike, and quad rider since the age of 4.

In addition to his mother and father, he is survived by his brothers, Jeremiah Rabe, his wife, Katy, and their daughter, Emery of Killingworth and Geoffrey Rabe his partner, Gabi Messley, of Meriden. Janel Tine of Wallingford and their son, Jackson Tine. As well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and long-time friends.

Nathaniel’s family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext., on Saturday, September 2, 2023 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory can be made to the Esophageal Cancer Action Network, ecan.org or mailed to ECAN, P.O. Box 243, Stevenson, MD 21153.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.