SETESCAK, GEORGE J.

George J. Setescak, age 85, a longtime Redding resident, died Monday, February 11, 2008 at Ashlar of Newtown after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was the beloved husband of Lucille Greene Setescak for 61 years. Born in Jersey City, he was the son of the late Andrew and Anna Setescak. Mr. Setescak served six and a half years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He helped form the First Marine Raider Battalion under Colonel Edson and later joined the Second Marine Raiders under Colonel Carlson. His unit received two citations, one from President Roosevelt and one from General Major Vandergrift for the unit’s consummate skill displayed in the conduct of operation, and the stamina and fortitude displayed at Midway Island. After the Marine Corps, Mr. Setescak worked numerous tough and interesting jobs as a longshoreman, digging the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, and announced later he wanted to be an Aeronautical Engineer. He received an Associate’s degree from Stewart Institute of Aeronautics. He graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J. in three years and was hired immediately by Sikorsky Aircraft and was employed for 36 years as a weight engineer. He received many honors for his work. He also engaged in ballroom dancing with his lovely wife for many years. Survivors in addition to his wife include his sons, Jeffrey and Scott; his daughter, June; his sister, Mary; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Three brothers and a sister predeceased him. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. directly in St. Patrick’s Church, 169 Black Rock Turnpike, Redding with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with full military honors will follow in Redding Ridge Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements by the Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull.