Obituary of Ralph Sakal

Loving Father and Grandfather Ralph Sakal, age 79, a resident of Trumbull for 49 years, passed away in Bridgeport on Saturday, July 21, 2012 after a brief illness. Ralph was born on December 20, 1932 in West Hartford, CT, the son of Frank and Claire Sakal. He was raised in Fairfield where he was an altar boy at Holy Family Church and a caddy at Brooklawn Country Club. He also loved bowling, playing baseball and football. In 1949 he captured the singles honors in the annual Greater Bridgport High School Bowling Leagues Christmas tournament. He graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School in 1952 and soon after he married his high school sweet-heart the late Beverly Lockwood. Their 52 year marriage began at St. Thomas Church in Fairfield, and after he enlisted in the Air Force as a Communications Specialist (1952-1956) they moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where he was stationed at Eielson AFB. He received the Medal of Good Conduct and after an honorable discharge they moved back to Connecticut where Ralph worked at: Harvey Hubbell (1958-1960) as a Receiving Inspection Supervisor; AVCO/Lycoming (1960-1966) as a Senior Quality Control Engineer; Timex (1966-1983) and for the next 10 years he worked at Eaton/Consolidated Controls. Outside of work Ralph enjoyed snowmobiling and participating in father-son activities such as Indian Guides, Cub Scouts, Model Rocketry and managing Trumbull Little League (1967-1968). He was especially fond of Saturday night Pinochle with his in-laws, the late Charles and Myrtle Lockwood. After retirement he was an usher at St. Theresas Parish of Trumbull, a member of the Bridgeport Industrial Retirees, he loved to travel with the Bessemer Center Seniors and was an avid fan of the Notre Dame High School Lancer football team. In his final years he adored spending time with his precious granddaughter Krystal, watching her grow and taking her out for a quick meal at the Galaxy Diner in Bridgeport. His favorite excursion was traveling to New Hampshire with family to see his beloved friends Larry and Mercedes Hamilton for a weekend of kayaking and hiking. Ralph is survived by: his son Wayne and his wife Deborah and granddaughter Krystal of Monroe; his sister June Gillespy of Florida; and nephews Daniel and William Gillespy, Frank Sakal, Jr. and his niece Cynthia Sakal. Ralph was pre-deceased by his wife Beverly and his brother Frank Sakal, Sr. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Tuesday July 24, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 11:00 a.m. in St. Theresa Church, Trumbull for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery, Fairfield. Friends may call on Monday from 4-8 p.m.