Ronald Setkoski

SETKOSKI Ronald Joseph Setkoski Sr., of Fairfield passed away December 19, 2011. The son of the late Benjamin and Mary (Petroski) Setkoski, he was born in Bridgeport Hospital on October 21, 1944. He had been a longtime resident of Bridgeport, Shelton and then Fairfield. He attended St. Michael the Archangel School and was a 1962 graduate of Bullard-Havens Technical High School, where he played varsity football and learned his trade as an electrician. Mr. Setkoski enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964, completing basic training at Ft. Jackson, S.C., and later attending infantry training and the U.S. Army Airborne School. He was proud to have served with the 9th Infantry Regiment, Second Infantry Division, one of U.S. Army's oldest and most decorated active duty infantry units. He was later selected for Special Forces training at the U.S. Army Center for Special Warfare at Ft. Bragg, N.C. As part of his Special Forces training, he became a 12B combat engineer and learned Amharic, a language spoken in Ethiopia. After completing his training, he was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) and was discharged from active duty in 1967. Following his active duty service, he joined the Army Reserve's 11th Special Forces Group (Airborne), where he served for 13 years and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7). Mr. Setkoski was a retired member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 488 and his many interests included automobiles, politics, playing the guitar and participating in theater groups throughout Fairfield County. He was an avid New York Giants fan and season ticketholder and enjoyed sailing along with spending time on Block Island and North Carolina. A devoted father and grandfather, he is survived by an uncle, Chester Petroski of Wilkes Barre, Pa., children Ronald and Christina Setkoski of Newtown, Glenn Setkoski of New Haven, Amy Setkoski and Lanette Setkoski of Milford, two grandchildren, Jessica Setkoski and Olivia Setkoski, a sister Barbara and husband Wayne Spodnick of Hardy, Va., nieces Christine and husband Tom Gamarello of Branchburg, N.J. and Debora and husband Brian Podolsky of Maplewood, N.J. He also leaves behind many friends, including the Duquette, Lucas, Camp, Souza, Bonaccorso, Travers, Pallock, Henderson and Warner families. Friends are invited to attend funeral services on Wednesday December 28, 2011 at 10am in St. Michael the Archangel Church, Bridgeport followed by interment in Oaklawn Cemetery, Fairfield. Calling hours will take place on Tuesday December 27th from 4-8 pm in the Commerce Hill Radozycki Funeral Home 4798 Main Street Bridgeport (on the Trumbull line) In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Ron's behalf to the Special Forces Association Chapter 54 Scholarship Fund by contacting Fred Rice at 603-929-1517 or Tony Tsoukalas at 781-665-7408 or to the Fisher House Foundation at www.fisherhouse.org.