Raymond J. Pentkowski ’68

Raymond J. Pentkowski, Fair Haven, VT, died November 26, 2024.

Ray grew up in Proctor (VT) where he graduated from high school in 1964. After Saint Michael’s (where he played soccer), he served a fellowship at the Southern Regional Training Program in Public Administration. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Alabama in 1969.

He started as a math teacher and assistant principal in West Rutland in 1970. Then he relocated to Lexington, KY, where he was employed by Spindleton Research Company. In 1972 he became the administrative assistant to the superintendent at the Addison Rutland Supervisory Union, becoming the superintendent serving until 1989; then he became the superintendent for Arlington School until 1993. He served as the principal at Ludlow Elementary School until 1996 and Reading Elementary School until retiring in 2004. He also worked for Frito-Lay for over 20 years, retiring in 2017.

He was a published author, writing the book Second Guess the Superintendent in 1985. He was named the Superintendent of the Year in 1989 by the American Association of School Administrators.

Ray was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn (Illinski), in 2024. Survivors include a son, a sister and extended family.