Edward John Rak

Cod, MA at the age of 82.

Ed was born on December 16, 1932 in New York City, NY, to Charles and Elizabeth (Skarda) Rak.

He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1951 and City College of New York in 1959,

with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served in the US Army from 1952 to 1954 in Okinawa,

Japan, working with radios and electronics.

Ed married Margaret Ann Ward in 1959. They moved to Vernon, CT in 1960, where together they

raised five children.

Ed started his career at Pan American Airlines, followed by work as a test engineer for Pratt and

Whitney, a safety engineer for Traveler’s Insurance, and a safety inspector for the State of

Connecticut. He was very proud of his qualification as a Professional Engineer in 1987.

Ed was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Toastmasters International. He was a master

swimmer and a lifelong handball player. He loved his weekly handball games, and often joked that his

big mitts and great wingspan allowed him to keep on returning the balls with less and less effort as he

slowed down in his later years.

Ed was inspired and delighted by his study of A Course in Miracles , which he shared enthusiastically

with friends and family.

Ed was a talented handyman and always loved a good project. Many of us will continue to be

reminded of Ed each time we look at our upgraded light fixtures, sinks, faucets, toilets or decks, as he

was always ready to teach and assist with a “job” as part of a visit. He also loved nature, from

birdsong in the mornings, walks along the beach or boating along the canal in the afternoons, to

sunsets over the water in the evenings.. Most of all, Ed loved his family and his friends, always

reaching out to keep in touch, lend a helping hand, or pass along a kind word. Ed is survived by his five children Edward Rak Jr. (Lise) of Los Altos, CA, Ellen Rak (Bill Dunlap) of

Mount Vernon, WA, Betty Lamp (Steve) of Richmond, VA, Marijean Rak of San Rafael, CA, and

Stephen Rak of New York, NY; his eight grandchildren Kathryn and Michael Lamp, Alexander and

Adam Dunlap, and Anne, John, Lucy and Charles Rak; his brother Charles Rak of Holbrook, New

York; his close friend and companion Barbara Rado; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and

godchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his two stepmothers, and his sister Alice

Brustman of Middle Village, New York.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the

charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Zelman and his team at Cape Cod

Hospital for their high-tech care at the end of his life. Ed would have enjoyed their engineering

marvels.