Robert C. Raczynski

Robert C. Raczynski, 92, of Washington, DC, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, at his residence. He was the devoted husband of Grazyna J. Raczynski, with whom he shared over 30 years of love, partnership, and laughter.
Born on March 13, 1933, in Warsaw, Poland, Robert was the son of the late Leszek M. and Harriet (Skarzynski) Raczynski. A survivor of the Occupation during World War II, he emigrated to the United States in 1947, carrying with him a resilience and perspective that would shape the rest of his life.
Robert's passion for learning and innovation led him to excel academically. He graduated from Don Bosco Preparatory School and went on to earn a degree in Engineering from Manhattan College. He later pursued a Master's in Computer Science from George Washington University, a testament to his lifelong curiosity and commitment to progress.
His professional career began with the U.S. Navy as a civil engineer. His dedication and sense of duty led him to volunteer during the Vietnam War, where he lent his expertise to the U.S. State Department. Robert's engineering work took him across the globe, including key assignments overseeing U.S. embassy construction in India and Indonesia. He also played a pivotal role in the development of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Later, at the U.S. Department of Energy, Robert contributed to nuclear engineering programs for over 25 years, retiring at the remarkable age of 82.
"Man of All Seasons," Robert navigated a life marked by early hardship with grace and optimism, emerging as a man of faith, intellect, and warmth. He embraced a rich array of interests: he loved art, horseback riding, crafting homemade cherry cordial, and was widely celebrated for his legendary rum cake. Robert's talent for storytelling and his deep love for America infused every gathering with meaning, humor, and heart.
Robert leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, generosity, and quiet strength. He touched the lives of many and will be profoundly missed by all who had the joy of knowing him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 13, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 18230 Barnesville Road, Barnesville, MD. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) or the Dominican House of Studies (dhs.edu).
May his memory be a blessing, and may he rest in eternal peace.