Frank J. Slinko, 87, of Sandy Hook died peacefully July 24 at the Vitas Innovative Care Unit at St Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. He was the husband of Candide (Szymanowski) Slinko. He was born May 21, 1928, in Bridgeport, and was the son of the late Stefania (Radkiewicz) and Joseph Slinko.

Mr Slinko was a graduate of St Michael’s School, Central High School, Central Connecticut State University, and the University of Bridgeport. 

He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II with the Occupation Forces in Yokohama, Japan. 

Mr Slinko had a long and illustrious career as an educator. He taught at Bullard Havens and Central High School in Bridgeport, Nile C. Kunnick High School in Yokohama, Japan, and then at Bad Kreuznach High School in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Following his return from abroad, he taught at Bassick High School in Bridgeport, and then Newtown High School, until his retirement in 1986. He was a member of the Greater Bridgeport Retired Teachers Association (GBRTA) and the VFW Post in Newtown.

He enjoyed traveling, especially on cruises, reading, Broadway musicals, and a fine cigar. Mr Slinko was a fan of the NY Giants and the UConn Women’s Basketball Team, but most of all he enjoyed time spent with his family.

Besides his loving wife of 62 years, he leaves his three daughters and their families, Stephanie Northrop of Hawaii, Lenore and Steven Brown  of Vermont, and Gina and David Castaldi of Hamden; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. He also leaves his sister, Stella Crispino of Bridgeport; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Three brothers, Stanley, Edward, and Benjamin Slinko, predeceased Mr Slinko.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Cindy Fitzmaurice, unit manager of Vitas at St Mary’s, and her superb staff for the care and kindness shared with Mr Slinko and his entire family during his stay.

Funeral services for Mr Slinko will be private, and will be held at the convenience of his family. 

Memorial donations may be made to Cyrenius H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470 or VFW Post 308, 18 Tinkerfield Road, Newtown CT 06470-2334. 

Eastside Memorial, A Casey Family Funeral Home & Tribute Center, has been entrusted to assist the family with arrangements. 

To extend online expressions of sympathy to the family visit www.eastsidememorial.com.