Francis J. Ratkis' Obituary
Francis J. Ratkis passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at Virtua Hospital in Marlton. Born in Philadelphia to the late John and Dorothy Ratkis, Frank was 66 years old. He was a resident of Marlton, NJ since 1994.
Survived by his wife, Lee, and his two children, Lauren Gutierrez (and her husband Juan), and Christopher Ratkis (and his wife Kathryn). They will remember him as the ultimate family man, devoting his life to his wife and children and making each day better than the one before. Frank loved to travel, but was also content spending his days listening to music and drinking wine in the backyard oasis he’d created for himself and his family.
Frank grew up in the greater Philadelphia area with his siblings Dorothy Hasselhan, Marie McCarthy, and the late John Ratkis, Jr. As a child, Frank began his lifelong love of sports. He played just about every sport imaginable, most enjoying the competition and camaraderie with friends and teammates. Frank also was an avid comic book reader in his childhood, which persisted throughout his life, evolving into his becoming an eminent collector of comic memorabilia.
Frank had a long (45+ years) and distinguished career as a Project Controls Engineer for various organizations, including the past eight years for KBR Inc. in Newark, DE.
Frank is also survived by extended family and innumerable friends. He will be remembered for his love of fishing, legendary dance moves, but mostly for his kind and generous nature. Frank had a way of making everyone feel like part of the family, including animals who always seemed drawn to his presence. Regardless of who you were, Frank likely greeted you with a smile, a fist bump, and an offer of a glass of wine.
A gathering of family and friends will be held this Wednesday, September 14th from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Givnish of Marlton 398 East Main Street. Frank’s Funeral Service will begin at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s name to your local animal shelter.
To share your fondest memories of Frank, please visit www.givnish.com
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