Albert J. Ratkiewich
June 4, 1927 ~ December 15, 2014 (age 87) 87 Years OldShare using:
NAUGATUCK – Mr. Albert J. Ratkiewich, 87, of Milford formerly of Naugatuck, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2014.
Al Ratkiewich, born in Naugatuck on June 4, 1927, was the son of the late Albert T. and Mary Ratkiewich. He proudly served his country by first entering the Coast Guard during World War II and later served in the Navy as an officer during the Korean Conflict. Between tours he achieved his Industrial Engineering degree from Yale University. While at university, he captained the swim team setting several impressive records enabling him to move on to the trials for the 1952 Olympics swimming at Bainbridge for the Navy Olympic team. He had a successful career at Ensign Bickford in Simsbury, before he relocated and later retired from Sikorsky Aircraft where he worked as an engineer.
He is survived by his sister, Lois Hopkins of Bedford, NH. He leaves his children, Peter Ratkiewich of Milford, CT, Nancy Ratkiewich of Oceanside, CA, Susan Ratkiewich of Milford, CT, Marianne Royston of Scottsville, VA, and Rosanne Ratkiewich-Saederup of Oakland, CA and Lorraine Ratkiewich of Avon, CT; grandchildren, Dylan and Marina Royston, and Isadora Saederup; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Jean Kunces and Olive Knight.
Al's high school yearbook said it best - "A faultless body and a blameless mind". "Ah! What a combination of talents this boy possesses. Prowess in athletics, distinction in class activities and a brilliant personality make him a well balanced man! Thanks Al, for your invaluable contributions.."
His funeral service will be held on Friday, December 19 at 11a.m. at Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck. Burial with military honors will follow in St. James Cemetery, Cross Street, Naugatuck. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090. To send an online condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com
Charitable donations may be made to:
Alzheimer's Association
P.O. Box 96011, Washington DC 20090
Web: http://www.alz.org/
