Ronald Joseph Setkoski, Sr

US Army Special Forces Veteran

Ronald Joseph Setkoski, Sr, of Fairfield, died December 19. The son of Mary (Petroski) and Benjamin Setkoski, he was born in Bridgeport Hospital, October 21, 1944.

A devoted father and grandfather, he is survived by four children, including Ronald and Christina Setkoski of Newtown, two grandchildren, a sister, an uncle, and two nieces. He also leaves behind many friends.

Mr Setkoski enlisted in the US Army in 1964, attending infantry training and the US Army Airborne School. He was proud to have served with the 9th Infantry Regiment, Second Infantry Division. He was later selected for Special Forces training. As part of his Special Forces training, he became a 12B combat engineer and learned Amharic. He was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) and was discharged from active duty in 1967. Following discharge, he joined the Army Reserve’s 11th Special Forces Group (Airborne), where he served for 13 years and attained the rank of sergeant first class (E-7).

Mr Setkoski was a retired member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 488, and his many interests included automobiles, politics, playing the guitar, and participating in theater groups throughout Fairfield County. He enjoyed sailing along with spending time on Block Island and North Carolina. He was an avid New York Giants fan.

Funeral services took place December 28, with interment in Oaklawn Cemetery, Fairfield.

Memorial donations can be made to the Special Forces Association Chapter 54 Scholarship Fund by contacting Fred Rice at 603-929-1517 or Tony Tsoukalas at 781-665-7408; or to the Fisher House Foundation at www.fisherhouse.org.

The Newtown Bee       December 30, 2011