SALEM- Henry J. Racki, 86, husband of Veronica (Coletti) Racki, of Salem, died Monday morning, May 3, 2004, in the Salem Hospital following a short illness.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Anthony and Victoria (Rochna) Racki. A lifelong resident of the city, he attended Salem schools and was a 1935 graduate of Salem High School. He received his Associate Degree in Architectural Construction from Wentworth College in 1938.
An Army veteran of WWII, he served with the Corps of Engineers and attained the rank of Sgt. In 1946, he attended Texas Tech in the Army Specialized Training Program.
He was employed as a residential designer for many years for C.B. Wills Co., Assembled Homes Company, Claude Miquelle Co. and Guy Messier, all located in the greater Boston area.
In 1992, Mr. Racki received his honorary Bachelor of Science Degree from Wentworth Institute and became a charter member of the Black & Gold Society.
Besides his wife, with whom he would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on May 9, he is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Paul J. and Joyce Racki of Danvers, three grandchildren, Katie Racki, Kelley Racki and Kimberly Racki, all of Danvers, one great granddaughter, Kyla Racki of Danvers, one brother, John and his wife, Patricia Racki of Peabody, one sister-in-law, Genevieve Coletti of Salem and several nieces and nephews.
His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2004, at 9 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 am at the St. John The Baptist Church, Salem. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday, 4 to 8 pm. Burial is in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. For those who desire, donations may be made in his memory to the St. John The Baptist Church, 28 St. Peter St., Salem, MA 01970. For guest book and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.