Obituary of John J. Racki

John J. Racki, 90, of Peabody, husband of the late Patricia F. (O’Leary) Racki with whom he shared 61 years of marriage, died on Monday, August 2, 2010 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers with his family at his side. Mr. Racki was born on April 23, 1920, in Salem, the son of the late Anthony and Victoria (Rochna) Racki. He was raised in Salem and graduated from Salem High School Class of 1938. He then pursued his education at Wentworth Institute in Boston. On August 21, 1942, he enlisted into the U.S. Army Air Corps, was an airplane maintenance technician, who served as a Staff Sergeant with 421st Bombardment Squadron. He participated in the Air Offensive Japan, Eastern Mandates and Western Pacific Campaigns, receiving his honorable discharge on January 4, 1946. As a civilian, Mr. Racki began his employment as a printer with Compass Press Company of Salem, 25 years with Newcomb & Gauss Printing Co. of Salem, and in 1982 after 36 years of employment as a printer John retired from Page and Goodwin Printing Company of Peabody. His entire life revolved around his family and later he was so proud of his grandchildren’s accomplishments, and most recently his 9 great grandchildren whom he cherished. His children remember the wonderful years and memories summering at the family camp in Whitefield, NH. John was a member of the Polish Russian Lithuanian American Citizen’s Club in Danvers, former member of the K. of C. Leo Council 508 in Peabody, and also enjoyed going to Foxwoods, playing bingo and “polski”. John his survived by his children and their spouses, John R. and Candace Racki of Amesbury, Michael T. and Elaine Racki of Peabody, Elaine M. and William Bowers of Ipswich, and James P. and Denise Racki of Danvers; his grandchildren, Kristan and Michael Pellizzaro, Steven and Nicole Racki all of Peabody, Samantha Racki of Amesbury, Jay Racki of Newburyport, David Racki of Amesbury, Alison Racki of Raymond, NH, Michael Racki of Danvers, Dylan Bowers of Lexington, Jessica Manos of Windham, NH, Cathleen Manos and John McManus, and Michael Manos all of Haverhill; 9 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and numerous friends. His brother Henry Racki predeceased him. His funeral will be held on Friday, August 6, 2010 at 9 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 260 North St., Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Thursday, August 5, 2010 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem