Ferdinand Ciastko

1931 - 2017

Ciastko, Ferdinand
Mr. Ferdinand Ciastko of Westbrook, beloved husband of 62 years to predeceased wife Dorothy Valint Ciastko, died at St. Raphael Hospital Tuesday, December 12, 2017. Mr. Ciastko was born in New York City, December 21, 1931, son of the late Joseph and Mary Witowsky Ciastko. In 1963, he moved to Westbrook and settled to raise his family. He is survived by his daughters Susan Ciastko, Denise Ciastko Hevrin (Dave), Paula Ciastko and Sheri Muscarella (Jonathon Ferrara). Brothers Joseph Ciastko and Rudolf Ciastko, sister Jean Walsh and two predeceased sisters, Mrs. Lorraine Mallick and Helen Ciastko. Mr. Ciastko served loyally in the 2nd Division, 38th and 1st Infantry, Company "I" 1953 in Korea. He was a member of Veterans of the Foreign Wars Post #2096 in Madison, CT. Mr. Ciastko was also a member of IBEW Local Union No. 90 over 40 years. He was also a retired member of the Westbrook Fire Department where he volunteered over 30 years. Mr. Ciastko was a member of the OES Georgia and Alice Chapter and a longtime member of the Masons Organization. Mr. Ciastko was also a member of the Westbrook CT Elks #1784. In his youth, Mr. Ciastko attended the Metropolitan Vocational Technical High School in Manhattan, during this time he worked on the Liberty Ship "The John Brown" where his class was the first to start the ship's boilers. He also was the Captain of the school's Swim Team. After graduation, he joined the New York National Guard. Mr. Ciastko also pitched for the minor league team "The Titans", an affiliate of the New York Yankees. Once moving to CT, he transferred to the CT National Guard and also volunteered as a Peewee baseball coach for the town of Westbrook. Over the years, Mr. Ciastko enjoyed great road trips with his family, as well as driving to his second home in Florida with his beloved wife Dorothy. He was a lover of pets and animals of any kind. Mr. Ciastko was a dedicated supporter of the military and returning veterans from war. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VFW Post #2096, Madison, or a pet rescue of your choice.
Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday evening December 15, 2017 at Swan Funeral Home, Old Saybrook. Mass will be at St. Mark's, Westbrook, CT, Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 12 p.m. Interment will follow at Cypress Cemetery.