Obituaries

Frank J. Natonski, 93; World War II Marine, Retired Flight Engineer

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 15.


Frank J. Natonski, of New Canaan, passed away on Feb. 9, 2014 at Norwalk Hospital with his family by his side. He was 93.

Mr. Natonski was born on Jan. 10, 1921 in Amsterdam, NY, a son of the late Joseph and Sophie Natonski. 

Frank graduated from Wilbur Lynch High School in Amsterdam, NY. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps out of high school working at Yellowstone National Park. In 1940 he joined the U.S. Marines and served in the infantry before an injury cut short his enlistment. During World War II Frank served as a civilian aircraft mechanic for the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor.

In 1946 he married Sadie Strenges. They were married for more than 67 years.

After the war Mr. Natonski joined General Electric’s Flight Test Operation in Schenectady, NY. He subsequently moved to New Canaan in 1954 and worked for the GE Executive Flight Service at White Plains, NY as a flight engineer and aircraft mechanic. Frank worked for GE for over 35 years. He loved aviation and had numerous pilot qualifications. He was also an avid golfer and speed skater and was a member of the Senior Men’s Club of New Canaan and a parishioner of Saint Aloysius Catholic Church. 

In addition to his wife Sadie, Frank is survived by his son Lt. Gen. Richard F. Natonski USMC (Ret.) and his wife Barbara of Alexandria, VA and three grandchildren, David and his wife Pepper, and Katie and Elizabeth. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.

Arrangements are by The Hoyt Funeral Home , 199 Main St., New Canaan.


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