Retired from Sikorsky Aircraft
Mr. Albert J. Ratkiewich, 87, of Milford, formerly of Naugatuck, passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 15, 2014.
Al Ratkiewich, born in Naugatuck 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 earned his industrial engineering degree from Yale University. While at Yale, he captained the swim team, setting several impressive records that enabled 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, N.H. He leaves his children, Peter Ratkiewich of Milford, Conn.; Nancy Ratkiewich of Oceanside, Calif.; Susan Ratkiewich of Milford, Conn.; Marianne Royston of Scottsville, Va.; Rosanne Ratkiewich-Saederup of Oakland, Calif.; and Lorraine Ratkiewich of Avon, Conn.; 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 Friday, Dec. 19, at 11 a.m. at Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home at 240 North Main St. in Naugatuck. Burial with military honors will follow in St. James Cemetery on Cross Street in 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
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