Deacon Thaddeus C. Raczkowski died of natural causes on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. He was 81 years old.
Deacon Raczkowski received a Bachelor of Science degree in English and Philosophy from Saint Joseph’s University in 1964. In 1967, he graduated from Catholic University School of Law, earning a Juris Doctorate degree.
Deacon Raczkowski had a distinguished employment career. Past positions held included: a political science professor at Rider University, Lawrenceville, New Jersey; an Attorney/Founding Partner at Raczkowski & Krensel Law Firm; a member of the Board of Trustees, Rutgers University; an Associate Partner at Sailor, Fleming & Raczkowski Law Firm; a member of City Council, East Brunswick, New Jersey; the Assistant Director for the State of New Jersey, Division of Motor Vehicles; the Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey; and a part-time law clerk for the U.S. Department of Justice, Washington D.C. Deacon Raczkowski’s last position was with Saint Joseph’s University, where he was an adjunct Theology professor. Before he became ill, Deacon Raczkowski was active in prison ministry and as a member of the Board of Trustees at the Malvern Retreat House.
Deacon Raczkowski was ordained in the Diocese of Metuchen on May 1, 1981, by the Most Reverend John C. Reiss. He served this diocese until 2005, at which time he relocated to the Philadelphia area. He was granted faculties in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and was assigned to Saint Madeleine Sophie Parish, Philadelphia, where he remained until 2007. From 2007 until 2010, he was assigned to Saints Simon and Jude Parish, West Chester. He was then transferred to Saint Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square, where he remained. In 2011, Deacon Raczkowski was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by the Most Reverend Charles. J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap.
Deacon Raczkowski is survived by his wife Joanne (Devlin); his children: Regina Browne, Christopher, and Thaddeus; his step-children: Patrick, Katie Grogan, and Brendan; and 14 grandchildren.
Reception of the Body and viewing will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023, beginning at 9:30 AM followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM, at Saint Katharine of Siena Church, 104 S. Aberdeen Avenue, Wayne. Most Reverend Edward M. Deliman will be the principal celebrant. Concelebrants are Reverend Monsignor Hans A. L. Brouwers, and Reverend Daniel M. Ruff, S.J. Homilist will be Reverend Daniel M. Ruff, S.J. and Deacon of the Mass Deacon Joseph Boyle. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery West Conshohocken.
