Raymond Joseph Pentkowski

Raymond J. Pentkowski
FAIR HAVEN- Raymond Joseph Pentkowski, 78, of Fair Haven died Tuesday November 26, 2024, at the Rutland Regional Medical Center following a brief illness.
He was born on March 23, 1946 in Proctor the son of Theodore C. 'Ted' and Helen B. (Zawistoski) Pentkowski
Ray grew up in Proctor where he graduated from High School in 1964. He then attended St. Michaels College graduating in 1968. He served a fellowship at the Southern Regional Training Program in Public Administration. He earned his master's degree from the University of Alabama in 1969.
He married the love of his life Marilyn Ann Illinski on April 4, 1970.
He started as a math teacher and assistant principal in West Rutland in 1970. Then he relocated to Lexington, KY where he was employed by Spindleton Research Company. In 1972 he became the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent at the Addison Rutland Supervisory Union, becoming the Superintendent serving until 1989, then he became the Superintendent for Arlington School until 1993. He served as the principal at Ludlow Elementary School until 1996 and Reading Elementary School until retiring in 2004. He also worked for Frito-Lay for over 20 years, retiring in 2017.
He was a published author writing the book "Second Guess the Superintendent" in 1985.
He was named the Superintendent of the year in 1989 by the American Association of School Administrators.
Survivors include a son Raymond Pentkowski II of Ocala, FL, a Grandson Eric Pentkowski, a sister and caregiver Judy Gildersleeve and her husband Peter of Proctor, special nieces and nephews Courtney ( Satish), Kayla (Luke), James and Bryan, a brother David Pentkowski and his wife Mary Jane of Clifton Park, NY, brother-in-law David (Terri) Gildersleeve several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Marilyn on June 28, 2024, his mother on Feb 16, 2010, his father on March 15th 2005, 2 brothers Theodore "Teddy" Pentkowski in Oct 15, 1956, Edwin A. Pentkowski on Feb 7, 2002
Funeral services will be held 1pm Saturday November 30, 2024 at Our Lady of Seve Dolors Church in Fair Haven.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Durfee Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Make A Wish or any organization who helps kids.