Clarence C. ‘Rat’ Ratkowski 1928-2024

Clarence, affectionately known as Rat, was born Aug. 11, 1928, on a farm in Mercer, Pa., the son of Adam and Michalina Krych Ratkowski. After his mother’s death when he was six, Rat was placed in St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Erie, Pa., and ran away several times. During one of these escapes, he hitchhiked across the country to Bakersfield, California, at the age of 13.

In November 1951, Rat enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War from November 1952 to July 1953 with the 45th Infantry Division. He excelled as a leader and was promoted to the rank of sergeant first class. His maps and sketches provided crucial intel on enemy positions in the development of fire plans and tactical movements, which earned him a Bronze Star. His other medals included the National Defense, Korean Service with three stars, United Nations, WWII Victory, Republic of Korea and Honorable Service.

Following his return from the Army, Rat settled in Austintown with his beloved wife, Ann, where he resided for the majority of his life.

Rat worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for United Excavating and also as a mechanic / operator for LEC and other companies before retiring in 1995. He was a proud member of Operating Engineers Local 66 in Youngstown for 55 years and attended the retirees’ luncheon. Rat was known in his neighborhood as “Mr. Mechanic.”

Rat enjoyed drawing, including a self-portrait, old country music, boxing, Genesee Beer, Crown Royal, dogs, birds and squirrels. He loved going to Oak Lodge Cabin with his best friends, Ed Scholl and Ed Greene, as well as Lake Telega with his lifelong childhood friend, Ed Ignaczak.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa (David) Kausits; his two sons, Edward Ratkowski and Raymond (Cindy) Ratkowski; eight grandchildren, Danielle (Justin) Kline, Scott (Taylor) Ratkowski, Allison Ratkowski, Jessica (Jake) Neill, Ashley (Rob) Sabel, David (Vilmary) Kausits, Kristin Ratkowski and Joseph (Ashley) Kausits; and 12 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Rat was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Ann Petrosky Ratkowski, whom he married Sept. 24, 1949, and who passed away Jan. 9, 2009. His sisters, Wanda Standley, Felicia Siciliano, Anna Fickes Myers and Irene Ratkowski; and his brothers, Adam Ratkowski, Tony Ratkowski, Leo Ratowski, Edwin Ratkowski, Joseph Ratkowski and Benjamin Ratkowski, also preceded Rat in death.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a committal service with military honors, which will be held at noon Friday, May 24, 2024, at Calvary Cemetery, 248 S. Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509. All are invited to a celebration of life party, Rat’s “last call,” which will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Lisa’s house.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown. Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view and share this obituary and to send condolences to Rat’s family.

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