Sebastiano "Fred" Ratto

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Fred made Rockland County his home for more than 50 years. He enjoyed following the stock market, collecting stamps, and watching war movies or anything starring John Wayne. He was also an avid movie collector, amassing an impressively large and obsessively curated collection over the years.

After a long career with IBM, Fred retired and devoted himself to his family. He was an exceptionally giving man who was always ready to help anyone in need. His warmth, kindness, and genuine interest in others drew people to him. He was the kind of person people remembered long after meeting him. Fred also valued his friendships deeply. He maintained many close and long-lasting friendships, some of which began as early as kindergarten.

To his family, Fred was a constant source of love, encouragement, and strength. He shared more than 45 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Kathleen. He took immense pride in his three daughters and cherished his grandchildren, each of whom held a very special place in his heart.

Throughout years of chronic health challenges, Fred showed extraordinary resilience. He met each difficulty with courage, patience, and an enduring optimism that never wavered. Even during the hardest times, he remained positive and found reasons to be grateful. His strength and resilience were an inspiration to his family, and the example he set in facing adversity with courage and positivity will remain with them always. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Kathleen, and his brother, Joseph. Fred is survived by his daughters, Christine, Jennifer, and Susan (Leo); his beloved grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kevin, Kathleen, Jack, and Patrick; his sister-in-law, Liz; his niece, Theresa (Steve); and his nephews, Michael (Lori) and Stephen (Clorinda).

A Mass will be held at St. Augustine’s Church in New City, New York on Friday October 2nd at 11:30am. Following the service, family and friends are welcome to gather at the home of his daughter, Susan, at 29 London Terrace, New City, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Timothy Syndrome Alliance, an organization that supports research related to CACNA1C-Related Disorder, the genetic condition affecting Fred’s six-year-old grandson, Patrick.

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