Obituary of Herbert L. Ratajczak

Herbert L. Ratajczak, age 81 of Lewiston, died Sunday September 4, 2011 in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Residence in Lewiston, after a lengthy illness.. Herbert was born November 15, 1929 in Buffalo, the son of the late Leo D. and Jennie (Kraska) Ratajczak. He attended and graduated from Canisius High School, Canisius College, and Ithaca College. He then attained his License to Practice Physical Therapy. A U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict, Herbert was stationed at the Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco, CA in the Physical Medicine Dept. After a number of years he pursued graduate studies and in 1965 received his Doctorate in his chosen field of Physical Therapy. Herbert had served on the staff of many hospitals and nursing homes in the Western NY area while maintaining his practice, Herbert Ratajczak Physical Therapy, in Lewiston until 1977. He then was Director of Physical Therapy Services and Stella Niagara's Health & Wellness Center, retiring in 2007. Herbert was a member of the American Physical Therapy Assoc., and a member and Past President of the Physical Therapy Assoc. of WNY. During the 1960's and 70's his love of music led him to become mentor to many young teens who eventually became and currently are professional musicians or music educators throughout the country. He is survived by his wife, Lelanie "Lonnie" (Wynn) Ratajczak; his three sons, Lawrence (Karolyn) Ratajczak of Sugarland, TX, Edward (Debbie) Ratajczak of Tampa, FL, and David (Amie) Ratajczak of New York City; two daughters, Mary Rose Vater of Lakeview, NY and Carol (Stephen) Connelly of Anchorage, Alaska; 14 grandchildren and two step daughters, Tina Fain of Springfield, MO and Melissa Gresham of Buffalo. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Wednesday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 8, at 10:00 am in St. Vincent De Paul RC Church (formerly Prince of Peace),1055 N. Military Rd., Niagara Falls, with the Rev. Robert Hughson officiating.(Please assemble at Church)Entombment will follow in Holy Angels Mausoleum, in Gate Of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stella Niagara Health & Wellness Fund, 4421 Lower River Rd., Stella Niagara Niagara, NY 14144.