It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Stella Ratkowski, of Lyndhurst, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, who departed this life on March 24, 2025, at the age of 92.
Stella was an active and treasured member of her community. She brought warmth, dedication, and a positive spirit to various community organizations, including the Polish American Citizens Club, the Senior Citizens Club, and St. Michael's Rosary Society, where she cherished the friendships and connections she made. Stella used her skills and meticulous work ethic as a bookkeeper for Louis Pontiac for many years.
Stella was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Ratkowski; her daughter, Barbara Geraci; her grandson, Wayne Geraci, Jr.; and her brother Anthony Pakulniewicz.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Teri Dudek and Carol Tamburino and her husband Joey; her cherished grandchildren, TJ Dudek, Cheryl Lomuscio and her husband Peter, Amanda D'Amico, and Matthew Dudek and his wife Taylor; as well as her great-grandchildren, Ryan Lomuscio, Ava Lomuscio, Noah D'Amico, Lacey D'Amico, and Blake Dudek. Stella is also survived by her brothers, Frank Pakulniewicz and his wife Rita, John Pakulniewicz and his wife Fran; as well as her sister-in-law Janet Pakulniewicz, son-in-law Wayne Geraci, Sr., and former son-in-law, Ted Dudek, who will all miss her dearly.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 3:00pm-8:00pm in Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, Lyndhurst. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Friday March 28th, 2025 at 10:00am prior to an 11:00am Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Church. A Committal Service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum.
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