RICHARD RACZKOWSKI

RACZKOWSKI, RICHARD Oct. 11, 1946 to Sept. 21, 2010 Richard was born Oct. 11, 1946, the eldest of four boys, in Santa Ana, CA. He spent his childhood moving to different areas of the country as his father, Lcdr. Charles Raczkowski (dec.), followed his assignments in the U.S. Navy. His dad passed on his love of fishing, and Rich spent most of his childhood summers fishing in the Sierra Nevadas with his family. Residing continuously in San Diego County since 1951, Rich graduated from Chula Vista High School in 1965, and immediately entered an apprenticeship program at North Island Naval Air Rework Facility. Through this program he became a mechanic, working on turbine engines for naval aircraft and surface vessels. He graduated from the program in 1969, and was drafted into the US Army, serving from March 1970-March 1972. He spent one year serving in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division as a mechanic. Upon his return, he was employed as a civilian for the U.S. Navy working in the field of engine repair, where he enjoyed a long, successful career. In 1984 he received the Excellence Award from Naval Air Systems Command for his innovative ideas that produced the largest single cost reduction in the Navy's Cost Reduction Program, saving taxpayers more than $32 Million from 1984-1986. For this accomplishment he received letters of commendation from President Ronald Reagan and from the Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci. Upon his retirement in 2001, Rich received an honorary membership to Code 302, the Steam and Diesel Propulsion Division of the Pacific Fleet Technical Support Center for recognition of his many years of professionalism and technical savvy. A long-time resident of Descanso, Rich was well-loved in his community, always ready to greet friends with a smile and a beer, and often assisting with whatever needed fixing. Rich had a life-long passion for camping and fishing in Baja California, which is where he spent most of his time. He had a special interest in Native North American petro glyphs, and was a charter member of the San Diego Rock Art Association. He is survived by partner Linda Bailey and their daughter Quinci, as well as brothers Bob, Ron, and Paul Raczkowski. There will be a memorial gathering at the Descanso Town Hall, Friday, October 1, at 2 p.m. All are welcome. Rich was a supporter of the San Diego Blood Bank, recognized for his personal donations of more than 13 gallons of blood. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, Rich would be best honored by donating blood in his memory.