Frank R. Rikowski

Waterford - Frank R. Rikowski of Quaker Hill passed away on Friday, Sept. 20, 2013, at his home.

He was the beloved husband of the late Stella M. Rikowski whom he married Aug. 24, 1946. Mr. Rikowski was born in Central Falls, R.I., the son of the late Frank and Frances (Gresak) Rikowski. Mr. Rikowski was also predeceased by his son, Frank; and four sisters.

He is survived by two daughters, Betty Mitchell of Niantic and Patricia Coonrod and her husband, David, of Quaker Hill. He also leaves behind one granddaughter, Deborah Peruzzotti and her husband, Michael Johnson, of Groton.

He had served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946, stationed in Florida. After being honorably discharged, he worked at the Thermos Company and retired from Electric Boat in 1985 as a planner, supervisor and machinist.

Frank was a "jack of all trades". He enjoyed fishing, lobstering, repairing and tinkering grandfather and mantle clocks and was an avid gardener. There was very little he could not fix and he could always be relied upon to help with various projects. Frank enjoyed listening to the soothing sound of polka music. He was also a communicant of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Quaker Hill.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 63 Old Norwich Road, Quaker Hill, with a visiting hour at the church from 9 to 10 a.m. prior to the Mass. His burial will follow with military honors at the St. Mary Cemetery in New London.

Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London, has been entrusted with the care of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Assoc. of Southeastern Ct, 403 N. Frontage Road, New London.

His family would like to especially thank Michele Bergin of the VNA.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions, to sign his guest book or to share a memory.