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DAVID RATAJCZAK Obituary

RATAJCZAK--David. Beloved Broadway and Big Band drummer Dave Ratajczak passed away after a courageous battle with Ocular Melanoma on October 3. He leaves behind a magnificent legacy of love, laughter, and music. Mr. Ratajczak performed and recorded with a wide variety of artists as well as many Tony award winning Broadway shows and film soundtracks. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Amie Block Ratajczak, and his children Matthew and Emilie. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, October 20 at 5pm at The Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Ocular Melanoma Foundation or Eastman School of Music.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Oct. 18, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID RATAJCZAK

31 Entries

David Rosenberg

November 17, 2014

One of my dear old drum buddies from many moons ago. My sadness and condolences to all loved ones.

John M. Floyd

November 15, 2014

I sincerely enjoyed every moment I spent performing with Dave while he and I were students at Eastman. What a terrible loss for his family and the percussion world.

Susan Hagg

November 7, 2014

I had the great good fortune to have Dave as a very close friend in high school. His amazing talent was obvious early on but what I remember most was what a really good freind he was ...kind and thoughtful,crazy funny but always in a warm-hearted way. He was the kind of frien who volunteered to escort me to my prom when my boyfriend's family made him go on a trip, even though he had his first girlfriend and making that offer had to cause some difficulty. He was and remained all of his life, the kind of guy we want all of our daughters to have as a friend early on, the kind of guy who taught us what a "good guy" was and what real freindship meant. Over the years, even at a distance, it was obvous that Dave's family brought him deep joy and immense satisfaction. I hope that while facing this incalcuable loss, his family takes some solace in the hapiness you gave him.

Janet Sterman

November 6, 2014

I remember Dave as we were always in the same homeroom at Sweet Home public schools, in Amherst, NY. He always had a pair of sticks on him. I was reminded of him by my cousin, Andrew Sterman, who went to Eastman with him and also played with Dave on Broadway. I have fond memories, and am sad at his passing. Best to his family and enjoy the wonderful memories you shared together.

Ken Hitchcock

October 21, 2014

I will always honor the gift of knowing this wonderful man
and working with him for the last 30 years!
God bless Amie and the kids. Ken Hitchcock

Roger Post

October 21, 2014

Dave's sense of humor was very dry and extremely funny. A week before he was to marry Amie, he had a seizure that put him in the hospital. A group of us went to see him, and when we asked what the diagnosis was, he said, "PMS." We looked at each other, and then back at Dave and said, inquistively, "PMS?" He said, "Yes. Pre-marital Stress." We had a good laugh over that one! Miss you, Dave.

April Muir

October 21, 2014

Amie, Emilie and Matthew - John, the kids and I mourn with you. Dave was a wonderful man. It was an honor to know him and call him neighbor.

October 21, 2014

I met Dave in '76, my last year and his first year at Eastman. Although we didn't often see each other in NY, I still remember how he could turn a lame gig into something tolerable, if not downright pleasurable, simply with his attitude and musicality. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.

Dave Panichi

October 21, 2014

I first heard Dave in 1981 with Woody's band in Rochester NY. He played with such command & authority - he totally owned the band that night. Later I had the privilege of playing many memorable gigs, including John Fedchock's NY Big Band, Scott Healy's demo (now a CD) City of Angels & other Broadway shows & many a club date that he brought to life. He always delivered on the bandstand & was big fun to hang out with between sets. He was a fine musician & an even better person - always supportive & kind. His endorsement of my first show of City of Angels as a sub for Jim Pugh meant so much to me then & still does. My heart goes out to his wife & children. I'm glad his spirit will live on through them. Profound condolences to his family, friends & colleagues. RIP Dave. You will be missed.

Emily Finck

October 20, 2014

Amie, Emilie and Matthew- I am so sorry for your loss. I know that my brother David loved Dave. They laughed a lot over the years! Every time I saw Dave, he was funny and very kind. I hope that all of the warm thoughts and memories that so many people have been sharing and posting help bring some peace to your hearts.

Billy Jay Stein

October 20, 2014

I had the honor and privilege of working with this amazing musician and wonderful man. You will be missed greatly!

Chris Braymen

October 20, 2014

Dave,
You've been a musical inspiration to me for over 30 years. And now, especially after reading how you've touched the lives of so many others, an inspiration in how to lead a good life. I think you've left the world better than you found it, and that is no small accomplishment. In my mind, I'll always still hear you, back there, raising the bar with a transcendent intensity, and sensitivity, and a few well placed kicks. Peace.

October 19, 2014

I knew Dave from the Eastman School. But he also played drums on one of my more memorable NYC recording sessions, leaving his mark on several of my original songs. He was always a gentleman, and worked hard to do his very best. I feel for his family's loss. Ned Paul Ginsburg

Tom Mendel

October 19, 2014

I only had the fortune to play with Dave once here in the Chicago area at Ravinia with a great orchestra. He not only was a fantastic player, but a warm and considerate person. There is no one that I know that knew him that doesn't say such similar words of adulation. He was the real deal not only as a musician, but as a person. He is missed. My heart felt condolences to his family and friends.

Mark Mitchell

October 19, 2014

I virtually did not know Dave at all, except through having played in the pit together at Mary Poppins. I saw some of his movie, and thoroughly enjoyed his quirky presence. Much sympathy to his family and continued puzzled inquiries to the Almighty.

Michael Coyle

October 19, 2014

Dave, I loved playing with you. We had some outrageous fun. You are sadly missed, but not forgotten!

Jimmy Masters

October 19, 2014

A beautiful human being and an amazing musician. Honored I got to know Dave at all, and to play music with him.

Byron Stripling

October 19, 2014

An incredible musician full of joy and swing with a contagious smile that linspired every one he touched

Emily Bindiger

October 19, 2014

My condolences to all of Dave's family and friends. One of the very good guys.

Martin Willweber

October 19, 2014

Thank you for being David Ratajczak. May you now rest in peace.

October 19, 2014

To Amie, Matthew and Emilie: We have so many wonderful memories of your family and ours going on the road together in what seems like yesterday when the kids were small...Dave will always have a special place in our hearts. Blessings and love to you all...xxoo Dick, Jeannette and George Sarpola

Sheila Cooper

October 19, 2014

Dave was a lovely and kind man who was a joy to play music with. I am sorry he is gone so soon. The New York music scene, limitless as it is, is noticeably emptier.

Paul budd

October 19, 2014

A good man gone far too soon.

George Petit

October 19, 2014

one of a kind - a giving and generous soul...miss you, dave. thanks for all the ... well...all the EVERYTHING.

John Hollenbeck

October 19, 2014

I met Dave when I was about 13. The Woody Herman Big Band was giving a week series of workshops and concert at SUNY Binghamton. I vividly remember a private lesson with Dave and his warm, easy going nature throughout the week-and his warm, swinging playing too! Many years later, I saw him in NYC once in a while, it was always nice to talk to him...he was always so humble. Thank you Dave for the good feelings on and off the bandstage!
My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Peggy Coon

October 18, 2014

My most heartfelt thoughts are with the entire Ratajczak family.

October 18, 2014

A thoughtful and compassionate man, a great musician and a courageous soul. Moving on to the next step, prayers for you Dave.

Jason Miles

October 18, 2014

A great musician with a stellar reputation. He made a difference. The scene will miss Dave. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace

Mike Coon

October 18, 2014

Besides being a superb musician, my friend, Dave Ratajczak was a warm, caring individual. As my son's drum instructor, he instilled a love and respect for music in my son. Knowing him has been a great blessing. My heart goes out to his family.

John Moses

October 18, 2014

Dave was a dear friend & colleague for many years. He is missed by all who knew him. I will always miss his bright smile, wit & great musicianship. My deepest condolences to Dave's family.

Gary Rynar

October 18, 2014

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