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George ‘Ron’ Lacko

George “Ron” Lacko peacefully passed away on March 23, 2024, at the age of 81. He was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia W.H. Lacko. He was born and raised in Branford, son of the late George Lacko Sr. and Mary Alice Hanchak Lacko. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Weitzman Lacko. He was father to Patty Ferguson and her husband Gregg Ferguson; stepson Nate Kaplowitz and his wife Kim; stepdaughter Molly Koren and her husband Yuval Koren; brother of Susan Moore; and his favorite brother-in-law, Stephen Moore. Ron was blessed with seven grandchildren: grandsons Gregory Ferguson and his wife Jessica, John Ferguson and Joseph Ferguson; Gabriel Koren and his brother Isaac Koren; and granddaughters Payton Kaplowitz and her sister Rory Kaplowitz.

Ron’s greatest joy was being a grandfather. He loved going fishing with his grandsons and his granddaughters. He taught all of them the art of catching the biggest and best fish, but unless they were big enough to eat, he taught them to throw them back into the water to live for another day. He also taught them to be patient, but if the fish weren’t biting in one location, he’d take them to four or five other locations, until at least one of them caught a fish. None of them were upset if they didn’t catch a fish, because when they were with Grandpa Ron. They always had a lot of fun, which was the real highlight of their time together. When the season of the year wasn’t appropriate to go fishing, Grandpa Ron and all of the grandchildren were happy to play board games together. The biggest source of fun in playing board games with Grandpa Ron was to see who could catch him trying to cheat or change the rules of the game so that he could win. Grandpa Ron was a “legend” at seeming to be playing fairly while actually playing the game according to his rules. The real winner of these games was the grandchild who figured out and exposed Grandpa’s attempts to get away with his cheating strategies. This was always a great source of good natured laughter and joyous triumph.

Ron loved boats, particularly sailboats. When he wasn’t with members of the family, you could often find him outside working on his boat. When he was satisfied that the boat was once again seaworthy, he took great delight in returning it into the water and sailing off into the sunset. He also enjoyed being a member of the Branford Yacht Club for many years.

George graduated from Branford High School and the University of New Haven, where he earned a four-year degree in Business Administration with a minor in Mechanical Engineering. After he graduated from college, he wanted to do something for his country and he proudly joined the United States Army. After he honorably served his assigned tour of duty, he became employed by Sikorsky Aircraft, where he worked in the Quality Control Engineering Department. While he worked at Sikorsky, he created a number of new mechanical parts that helped improve aircraft construction, which resulted in his earning government approval for his work and U.S. Patent status approval ratings.

George, Grandpa Ron, was a good man who loved his family, who will greatly miss his presence in their lives.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405; www.blackstonelibrary.org. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.