John S.           Saranotski

Norwalk Technical College Instructor

John S. Saranotski, 86, of Trumbull, beloved husband of 55 years of Olga (Mikitich) Saranotski, died on November 16 surrounded by his family at Bridgeport Hospital. Born in Bridgeport to Steve and Mary (Romanovski) Saranotski, he had resided for 50 years in the home he had built in Trumbull.

In addition to his loving wife, he leaves his precious, loving daughter, Nina Frankonis and her wonderful husband, Richard, of Newtown; ever-loving grandchildren, Jennifer Chang and her husband, Robert, John Frankonis and his wife, Wendy, and Richard Frankonis; a darling great-granddaughter, Haley Chang. He leaves his wonderful brother, Joseph Candela and his lovely wife, Jean and their three beautiful daughters. Mr Saranotski also leaves a sister-in-law, Ruth Mikitich of Florida. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Serabian and he is survived by her eight loving sons and daughter who gave him much pleasure and joy.

Graduating from Harding High School in 1936, he enrolled in the Bridgeport School of Engineering. Mr Saranotski had worked at Sikorsky Aircraft on helicopters and the famous Corsair plane during World War II. He then enlisted in the US Army and was sent to occupied Japan to serve. When he returned to the United States, he enrolled in the University of Bridgeport where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1961.

Mr Saranotski then was employed at Avco in the missiles foundry on cargo loaders. He received his master’s degree at CCSU in New Britain which enabled him to pursue his long desire to teach. Mr Saranotski was employed at the Norwalk Technical College; he enjoyed his students and taught until his retirement.

He had a wonderful singing voice and sang with the Holy Ghost Russian Orthodox Church choir as a baritone. Mr. Saranotski was a past president of the Holy Ghost Russian Orthodox Church Seniors and the Nichols Improvement Association in Trumbull and a member of the Russian American Club in Ansonia.

Funeral services were held on November 21 in the Pistey Funeral Home, Stratford, and in Holy Ghost Russian Orthodox Church. Interment was in Nichols Farm Burial Ground, Trumbull.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Rev Kivko Scholarship Fund, c/o Holy Ghost Russian Orthodox Church, 1540 East Main Street, Bridgeport CT 06608.

The Newtown Bee     November 25, 2005