Obituary for John Emil "Jack" Rajala
John “Jack” Emil Rajala, 89, of the Broad Brook section of East Windsor quietly passed away to join his wife and the love of his life, Marilyn (Sunega) Rajala, on March 28, 2020. Jack was born April 9, 1930 in Fitchburg, Mass., the son of the late Sadie B. (Johnson) Dickson Teto Sakkinen.
Jack lived in Broad Brook for more than 60 years and over that time he touched many lives in the community. He worked as principal of Broad Book Elementary School for nearly 20 years. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball, was president of the town’s Little League board of directors, helped found the East Windsor High School Booster Club and served as treasurer of Cub Scout Pack 89.
His impact extended to all parts of the community as he served as first selectman of East Windsor 1993-1997. He was chairman of the police commission and board of education and served on numerous other town boards and committees. He was a member of the East Windsor Rotary Club, which named him Citizen of the Year in 2000, and president of the Broad Brook Library board of trustees. Jack, who’s interest in politics was piqued while participating in the 1947 Massachusetts Boy State program, was active on the Democratic Town Committee and worked at the Connecticut State Capitol after he retired from school administration.
While he was immersed with community involvement and work, Jack, with Marilyn by his side, never missed any events for their loved ones, including numerous sporting events, concerts, performances, recitals and exhibits.
Jack is survived by his children, David and his partner Chris of Florida; Dennis and Adeline of Broad Brook; Donald and Heidi of Old Lyme; Daniel and Robin of Broad Brook; Douglas and his friend Beth of East Windsor; and his lifelong friend William “Billy” Sligar of Broad Brook.
He leaves behind his grandchildren, Sarah and her spouse Jennifer, Thomas and his wife Amy, Christopher, Samantha, Ashlee, Caitlin, Colin and his fiancé Carrie, Caroline, Matthew, Shannon and her husband Brian, Tucker, Dillon; and his great grandchildren, Fiona and Dylan, who dearly loved their “Grampa Jack.”
Jack also leaves behind his brother Paul Teto of Florida, two sisters, Beatrice Stepton of Fitchburg, Mass. and Kaye Wilson of Keene, NH, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother William Teto and stepfather William H. Teto.
Due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 virus, a private burial will be held with immediate family only. A celebration of life memorial will be held at a later date when loved ones and friends can come together safely.
Donations in Jack’s memory can be made to: Broad Brook Library, PO Box 94 Broad Brook, CT 06106 or EWHS Booster Club Attn: Kristin Blume, EWHS, 76 S. Main St., East Windsor, CT 06088.
Jack lived in Broad Brook for more than 60 years and over that time he touched many lives in the community. He worked as principal of Broad Book Elementary School for nearly 20 years. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball, was president of the town’s Little League board of directors, helped found the East Windsor High School Booster Club and served as treasurer of Cub Scout Pack 89.
His impact extended to all parts of the community as he served as first selectman of East Windsor 1993-1997. He was chairman of the police commission and board of education and served on numerous other town boards and committees. He was a member of the East Windsor Rotary Club, which named him Citizen of the Year in 2000, and president of the Broad Brook Library board of trustees. Jack, who’s interest in politics was piqued while participating in the 1947 Massachusetts Boy State program, was active on the Democratic Town Committee and worked at the Connecticut State Capitol after he retired from school administration.
While he was immersed with community involvement and work, Jack, with Marilyn by his side, never missed any events for their loved ones, including numerous sporting events, concerts, performances, recitals and exhibits.
Jack is survived by his children, David and his partner Chris of Florida; Dennis and Adeline of Broad Brook; Donald and Heidi of Old Lyme; Daniel and Robin of Broad Brook; Douglas and his friend Beth of East Windsor; and his lifelong friend William “Billy” Sligar of Broad Brook.
He leaves behind his grandchildren, Sarah and her spouse Jennifer, Thomas and his wife Amy, Christopher, Samantha, Ashlee, Caitlin, Colin and his fiancé Carrie, Caroline, Matthew, Shannon and her husband Brian, Tucker, Dillon; and his great grandchildren, Fiona and Dylan, who dearly loved their “Grampa Jack.”
Jack also leaves behind his brother Paul Teto of Florida, two sisters, Beatrice Stepton of Fitchburg, Mass. and Kaye Wilson of Keene, NH, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother William Teto and stepfather William H. Teto.
Due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 virus, a private burial will be held with immediate family only. A celebration of life memorial will be held at a later date when loved ones and friends can come together safely.
Donations in Jack’s memory can be made to: Broad Brook Library, PO Box 94 Broad Brook, CT 06106 or EWHS Booster Club Attn: Kristin Blume, EWHS, 76 S. Main St., East Windsor, CT 06088.