Stanley G. Rakowsky

Stanley G. Rakowsky, Ed.D., 67, of Frackville, passed away Friday morning at his home, holding his sister Michelle's hand.

Born at the former Ashland State Hospital, March 15, 1948, he was a son of the late Stanley F. and Ann Luscavage Rakowsky.

After graduating from Frackville High School in 1966, Stan went on to earn degrees from Bloomsburg University, 1970 B.S. in Education, Pennsylvania State University, 1972 Masters of Educational Administration, and NOVA Southeastern, 1988 Doctorate Educational Leadership.

Stan's professional career began as an English teacher and athletic coach in 1970 at North Schuylkill High School. He then moved to Towanda Area High School acting as an assistant principal and athletic director. From 1976 to 1994, Stan worked at the Clearfield School District, ending his time there as the superintendent. His final position was the superintendent of Shenandoah Valley School District, where he served for more than 20 years and was a devoted Blue Devil.

Stan has many professional and personal accomplishments. He was past president of the Pa. Association of Secondary School Principals, a member of the Middle State Accreditation Committee for Elementary and Secondary Education, chairman of the Council of Trustees for Bloomsburg University, having been appointed by Gov. Richard Thornburg. He was also a founding member of the Lock Haven University, Clearfield Campus and the Penn State University Advisory Board, Schuylkill Campus.

A lifetime member of St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, Frackville, Stan was comforted by his Catholic faith. He was a proud veteran having served with the Pa. National Guard.

Community support was always very important to Stan. He lent his talents to many local organizations, including the Lions Club of Frackville and Mount Carmel; Goodwill, Polish American No. 2 and Friendship fire companies; president of the Shenandoah Rotary; BPOE Elfs, Clearfield; Rumdums of Shenandoah and Knights of Columbus. He also participated with many long-time friends in the Halftime Club. A big part of Stan's life for many years was attending Penn State football games and was proud to have been named a Penn State Nittany Lion Club honorary coach.

Every summer Stan looked forward to spending time with his extended family on Lake Beverly in Delta, Ontario, Canada.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Cheryl Ann.

Stan is survived by sisters, Michelle Smarkanic, RN, and her husband, Andrew, Leslee Driesbah, DMD, and her husband, Bill; brothers, Larry Rakowsky, DMD, and his wife, Sharon; Terry Rakowsky, DMD, and his wife, Cathy; several nieces and nephews, many friends and colleagues.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday morning at St. Ann's Church, Frackville, with concelebrant, the Rev. Robert Finlan, pastor, and the Rev. Edward B. Connally. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at the church from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday. Interment will be at St., Vincent Cemetery, Englewood/Frackville.

The family is very grateful to Karen Slotterback, Diane Bressi, Jonathan Poplaski and Jack Mctiernan for their support and compassion at the end stage of Stan's life.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Stanley Rakowsky Scholar Athlete Award at either Shenandoah Valley School Distict, 805 Centre St. Pa., 17976 or North Schuylkill School District, 15 Academy Lane, Pa., 17921. Albert L. Gricoski Funeral Home, Frackville, has charge of arrangements.

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