Leroy John RACKLIFFE

RACKLIFFE, Leroy John

Leroy John "Jack" Rackliffe, 87, of Westbrook passed away peacefully on July 30, 2013 with love in his heart, ready to be reunited with loved ones who await him. He was born in Springfield, MA on May 16, 1926 to the late Leroy and Ethel (Spring) Rackliffe. Jack graduated from Northeastern University with an electrical engineering degree. He married the late Mary Katherine Robinson in 1951, moving from Springfield to Cheshire, then later Westbrook. A wise move was retiring at the young age of 56 to Longboat Key, FL, which gave he and Mary ten great years enjoying Florida and each other before Mary lost her short battle with cancer. Jack worked most of his career at S.N.E.T. in New Haven as an electrical engineer designing the switchover to computerized central switching offices. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. Jack volunteered with many community organizations over the years including the Boy Scouts, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Community Health Care in Clinton. Boating was a passion he shared with his family and they owned several boats over the years. More recently, Jack spent many years researching family genealogy, uncovering a fantastic voyage tale in the process. Jack is survived by two children, Jack Rackliffe and his wife, Kerry, of Marina del Rey, CA, Russ Rackliffe and his wife, Lori, of Essex, CT; his son-in-law, David Verry of Ivoryton, CT; brother Richard (Dick) and his wife, Joyce of Springfield, MA; three grandchildren, Benj Rackliffe, Matt Verry and Seth Verry as well as many special nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his loving wife, Mary, and a devoted daughter, Christine Verry.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, August 2, 2013, at St. Mark the Evangelist Church in Westbrook at 1 p.m. followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Westbrook. Calling Hours will take place prior to Mass on Friday, August 2, 2013, at St. Mark the Evangelist Church from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.