Arthur E. Ratte'

1937 - 2021

Arthur E. Ratté 83, of Warwick, Massachusetts died peacefully on February 3, 2021 surrounded by his children. He was born in Haverhill, MA on February 9, 1937 to Alfred J. and M. Louise (David) Ratté.

Arthur graduated from Merrimack College with a BA in Economics in 1958. He got a Masters of Education degree from Salem State in 1967.

He married Ann Bialock in 1963 and they were married for 50 years before she passed in 2013. Art and Ann shared a love of music and sang in choral groups for many years. Art, Ann, and their three children were active members of St. Patrick's Church in Northfield.

Arthur taught mathematics at Austin Preparatory School and worked in early computer programming at Honeywell. In 1976 he left Honeywell to teach computer programming at the newly built Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls. Arthur purchased a modest plot of land and moved his family from North Andover to Warwick MA. He designed and built a 16-sided passive solar home with his brother Roland, who also worked at the tech school. Arthur taught night classes in computers at Greenfield Community College. He co-owned a small software support company where he designed inventory software for companies. Later in his career, he started his own company, Total Computer Systems, and returned to teaching at the Linden Hill School.

In 1993, Arthur was ordained in the Diocese of Springfield and served as a deacon for over 20 years at St. Patrick's Church in Northfield. Deacon Art was involved with leading eucharistic services in the church, catechism classes, prayer meetings, and Antioch weekends. A truly compassionate man, Art was generous, humble, and always ready and willing to help anyone in need. He spent his life in service. He learned clowning to bring joy to nursing homes, town and church picnics, and children's day at Trinitarian Congregational Church. He went to Honduras to help build a school and minister to the local community. Arthur had a strong work ethic, a great sense of humor, and loved word puns. He enjoyed woodworking, cribbage games, and organic gardening.

He is survived by his children, Teri Vienot of Melrose, MA; Lucie Martin of Mesa, AZ; and Thomas of Warwick, MA. He also leaves four grandchildren: Emily and Elizabeth Martin and Nicholas and Dylan Vienot, plus many nieces and nephews. Arthur was predeceased by his parents, wife, and siblings Alfred, Roland, and Gloria.

There will be calling hours on Sunday (2-7-2021) from 2- 4 p.m. At the Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave. Northfield, Ma. Face Masks and social distancing will be required. Due to covid-19 a Liturgy of Christian Burial in St. Patrick's Church, Northfield. Will be held in the Spring with burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Northfield at a time to be announced.

Donations in Arthur's memory may be made to St. Patrick's Church, 80 Main St., Northfield, MA 01360 or to LifePath, 101 Munson Street, Suite 201, Greenfield, MA 01301.

To send condolences or for directions please visit www.kidderfuneralhome.com.