Frank Ritacco

Norwich — Frank T. Ritacco, 89, of Norwich, passed away peacefully at Norwichtown Rehabilitation and Care Center on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015.

Born in Norwich, Frank was the son of the late Anthony and Christina Ritacco. Frank was a graduate of Norwich Free Academy Class of 1944. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a seaman first class in the European and Pacific Theatres during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon his return to Norwich, he was employed as an apprentice typesetter for The Norwich Bulletin. In 1957 he joined The New London Day retiring after 31 years in 1988.

Frank was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church, Norwichtown, a member of the New London Typographical Union Branch 159, Communications Workers of America Local 14106, VFW Post 594 and the Rose City Senior Center.

He was united in marriage on Sept. 3, 1955, at Saint Mary’s Church in Norwich to Jean Burns, who predeceased him on Jan. 15, 2014 after 58 years of marriage.

His daughter, Laurie Ann Ritacco; his son, Thomas Ritacco and wife, Cheryl; and grandson, Nicholas Ritacco, survive him.

He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Katelyn Ritacco; brothers, Ralph, Sam and John; sisters Louise Nickersen, Mary Langlois, Rose Tulka, Helen Szalkowski and Yolanda Derosier.

Frank never held back when he spoke. He was honest, open and you knew where you stood. He was generous, bighearted and would most certainly give you the shirt off his back. He was loved, appreciated and will be greatly missed. Frank, may you whistle your way through Heaven as you often did here on Earth.

The Ritacco family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the nurses and staff at Backus Hospital, Norwichtown Rehabilitation Care Center and Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut for their care and compassion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at Sacred Heart Church, Norwichtown, 52 West Town St., Norwich. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.

The Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Katelyn Ritacco Sunshine Scholarship c/o the NFA Foundation, 321 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360.

To share a condolence with the family, please visit, www. cummingsgagnefh.com.