Obituary of Michael A. Ratigan

Michael A. Ratigan

Michael passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2025, at the age of 79.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Margaret; his mother and father in-law, Katherine and Robert E. Groh; and his brother-in-law, Robert M. Groh. Michael is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Carol; his daughters, Kayti (Jack) Whittaker and Maggie (Jeff) Leathersich; and his four beautiful grandchildren, Jackson and Wesley Whittaker, and Calvin and Carol Leathersich. He is also survived by his sister, Paula (John) Bendall, and his dear cousin, Marcia Rzonca.

To know Mike was to love him. His ever-present smile and quick wit turned every conversation into a moment that left you smiling, laughing, and feeling lighter.

Michael spent much of his childhood at the family home on Winona Blvd., where he lived since the age of five. He loved being outdoors, exploring the woods across the street catching snakes and salamanders—early signs of the curiosity and hands-on creativity that would define his life.

After high school, he voluntarily enlisted in the Navy because of a neighbor whom he greatly admired, Dr. Phil Spahn. In the 4 years he served during the Vietnam War, he circumnavigated the globe, visiting 6 of the 7 continents.

Sailing was Michael’s first and greatest passion. He began sailing at the age of 12 through the Rochester Junior Yacht Club. It was a love that stayed with him throughout his entire life, shared with family and friends at the Genesee Yacht Club, where he was a member for 47 years. His career reflected his adventurous spirit and entrepreneurial drive, including being the first windsurfing salesman on the East Coast, working in transportation sales, and later becoming a yacht broker selling sailboats. He culminated his career by establishing his own LLC, “Michael the Arf Angel”, a dog walking and pet sitting service, a venture that reflected both his love of animals and his witty sense of humor.

Michael was a true “one-man band,” a self-described gearhead who could build, fix or invent just about anything. He had countless hobbies and interests. In addition to sailing and windsurfing, he loved learning to fly, ski with dear friends and family—something he picked back up after Vietnam. In addition, he loved all his cars and modes of transportation – from his 1965 Corvette Stingray to most recently his Slingshot, and in between, his bicycle he motorized by adding a weed whacker engine, and then his tricycle he affectionately named “Hardly Davidson”. After retiring from sailing, he took up kayaking, embracing yet another way to stay on the water.

Michael also had a deeply creative side. He enjoyed woodworking, carving birds, turning pens - including making custom pens for both of his daughters’ weddings and their entire wedding

parties - and creating detailed house renderings. Whatever he set his mind to, he did with care, patience, intention, and precision.

Above all else, Michael will be remembered for his methodical nature, his iconic mustache, and, most importantly, his incredibly deep love for his wife, Carol, cherishing the 47 beautiful years they had together, and his family.

Family and friends may call at Paul W. Harris Funeral Home on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 PM. Michael’s Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Kateri at Christ the King Church, followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honor Flight Rochester or the Sunset House in Michael’s memory.