Richard R. Ratner, Sr., of Dartmouth died Wednesday, January 20, 2010 in his 90th year surrounded by his beloved family, went home to the Lord. He was husband of the late Marjorie L. (Johnston) Ratner, they were married for 67 years.
Born in Little Compton, April 15, 1920, he was son of the late Dr. Benjamin R. and Ruth S. (Palmer) Ratner. He attended the Josephine F. Wilbur High School in Little Compton and New Bedford Vocational High School. During WWII, Richard served as a corporal in the Massachusetts State Guard (Civil Defense). He served as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the Town of Dartmouth and the City of New Bedford for many years. Prior to retirement, he was a machinist for Revere Copper and Brass for 41 years and he was also the Chief of the Revere Copper and Brass Fire Department. Richard was a Captain on the Dartmouth District 3 Fire Department for 40 years and also was a Captain for the Volunteers of America. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church, Lund’s Corner, New Bedford, where he was sexton and served on many boards and volunteered for countless hours.
Richard is survived by his children, Jane L. Ruffley and her husband Ken of Dartmouth, Richard R. Ratner , Jr. and his wife Jean of Dartmouth, Cheryl L. Nunes and her husband Frank of Dartmouth, Glenys L. Wolcott and her husband Bill of Dartmouth, Royce R. Ratner and his wife Noreen of Dartmouth and Lynn L. Ratner of Plymouth; 2 brothers: Samuel Case of NJ and FL and Harry Middleton and his wife Madelyn of NJ; 16 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be Saturday, January 23, 2010 at the Potter Funeral Home at 11:00 A.M.
Calling hours Friday 5 – 8 P.M. & Saturday 10 – 11 A.M.
Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Dartmouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: First Congregational Church, Lund’s Corner, Memorial Fund, 2195 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, MA 02745 or Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719.