Carl C. Ratajski
Carl Casimir Ratajski, 92, of Greenville, SC was ushered into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ on August 28, 2022. Born in Natrona Heights, PA in 1930, he was the son of the late Leon Thomas and Mary Kot Ratajski.
Carl enlisted in the United States Air Force following high school graduation and proudly served in the Korean War as a jet engine mechanic. He received an honorable discharge and earned the Occupation (Germany), National Defense Service, and Good Conduct Medals.
Before moving to Greenville in 2004, Carl lived in East Hartford, CT where he worked as an experimental test jet mechanic with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for over 30 years. He was a faithful member of Farmington Avenue Baptist Church, West Hartford, CT, supporting the bus ministry and hospitality team.
Among family and friends, Carl was known for his aptitude for repairing things—anything from car engines to radios, hairdryers to toasters. His children often joked about never needing to buy new things, because “Dad could fix it!”
Carl was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Simpsonville, SC where he enjoyed serving with his wife on the welcome team. People there will remember him for always having a big smile and a cute joke for everyone he met.
Carl is survived by many family members, including his beloved wife of 66 years, Elfriede Russ Ratajski; six children; Alexandra M. Gardner, Carl E. Ratajski, Christina Scavetta (Paul), Elizabeth Helme (Bob), Thomas J. Ratajski, and Stephanie S. Hanshaw; nephew Bob Pociatek (Roslyn). Four precious grandchildren; Robert (Lisa), Ryan, Emily and Julia, and one great-grandaughter, Eva. He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.
The family thanks the staff at Brookstone Terrace of Simpsonville for their attentive care of Carl over the past two years, the team from Interim Hospice who lovingly served Carl at the end of his life, and the staff from Cannon-Byrd Funeral Home for handling final arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Carl’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church, 3810 Grandview Dr., Simpsonville, SC 29681. A Celebration of Life honoring Carl will be held at Calvary Baptist Church on October 7, 2022 with private interment at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery, Anderson, SC.
The Mark Cote family would like to say we are so sorry to hear of your father passing as he was such a good person and beloved by your whole family. Along with your mother they set high standards for all of you and were not disappointed. Our blessings we send,
to the family of Mr. Ratajski, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. I pray for your strength to get through this difficult time. I’m grateful for having the opportunity of meeting your dad on several occasions in Connecticut.
Ron Di Mauro
Rocky Hill, Ct.
Mr. Carl was and Mrs. Elfiede is, near and dear to me. It has been a pleasure knowing them both and they enriched my life as much as I assist in helping to care for them. Mr Carl will be missed.
Carl was one of the many godly men at FABC who modeled Christ for me, so many years ago, now. I am thankful for his life and devotion to the Lord. Once, when the clutch went out on the HCA team bus, he drove it the rest of the way to Providence and back by shifting without the clutch. I now call that the “Ratajski shift” and (when I had a manual) would do it every so often in memory of Carl!
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints… I have such fond memories of Mr. Ratajski. His heart to serve people and the joy he would bring to that service will always be seared into my memory. I will never forget his special love for my mother and his monthly phone calls to her…or to me if she didn’t answer. He will be warmly remembered in my heart. Elfriede and family, may God bring comfort and peace to your your hearts as you all wait a glorious reunion in a Place where God will turn all the sorrow and tears into joy and smiles.
Today was a very special Memorial service for our friend
Carl Ratajski! Well done thou good and faithful servant!
Thank you to Calvary Baptist for a wonderful funeral meal
with friends of Ratajski’s far and near! Lisa Schell Gallant