The following obituary appeared on the Hoyt Funeral Home website:
Frank J. Natonski, 93, of New Canaan, passed away on Feb. 9, 2014 at Norwalk Hospital with his loving family by his side. Mr. Natonski was born on January 10, 1921 in Amsterdam, NY to 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 the love of his life, Sadie Strenges. They were married for over 67 years. After the war he 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 loving wife Sadie, Frank is survived by his son LtGen Richard F. Natonski USMC (Ret) and his wife Barbara of Alexandria, VA and three grandchildren, David and his wife Pepper and granddaughters Katie and Elizabeth.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 10:00 AM. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday February 15, 2014, 10:00AM at St. Aloysius Church