Richard Joseph Ratajczyk

Richard (Rick) Joseph Ratajczyk loving husband and father passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025 at 2:22 AM in Louisville, Colorado after a long illness (glioblastoma).

Rick was born on September 19, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Polish refugees. He served in the US Air Force from 1975 to 1979, stationed in Texas, and worked in cryptography. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

Following his military service, Rick pursued a career in engineering. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois and later completed an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Over the years, he contributed to the cellular telecommunications industry through roles at Motorola, Verizon, and AT&T. Rick took great pride in his work, particularly in the development of technology foundational to modern-day texting.

Rick enjoyed attending Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Rockies games and music concerts, tinkering with computers and model trains, going on cruises, visiting Las Vegas, riding his bike, and fixing anything and everything around the house.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Ruta Ratajczyk (Zolynas); his son, Nicholas Orion Ratajczyk; his stepson, Brian Zolynas; his brothers, Robert Ratajczyk and Ronald Ratajczyk; his stepgrandson, Ian Zolynas; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A military memorial service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado on Monday June 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick’s name to the American Cancer Society or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).