WESTFIELD – Henry J. “Hank” Tatro, Jr., 91, of Westfield died peacefully at home on January 28, 2015 three days before his 92nd birthday surrounded by his loving family. Born in Springfield on January 31, 1923, he was the son of the late Celia (Gaudette) and Henry J. Tatro, Sr. He served his country in World War II as a flight officer of the Air Corps in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. He was the recipient of the Bronze Service Star, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, WWII Victory Ribbon and the Distinguished Unit Citation American Theatre Ribbon Air Medal. In 1947 he raced stock cars at Riverside Raceway before beginning a 10 year career for the Springfield Armory. After the closing of the Armory, he worked as a Senior Product Engineer at Colt Firearms in Hartford, CT, where he was credited with over 17 patents. He was a faithful communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church, serving as a Lector for thirty-five years and taught CCD classes. He served on the Westfield Planning Board. He and his wife were avid ballroom and country western dancers for over 30 years. He was a member of the Springfield Chordsmen for 12 years and also served as treasurer. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Henry was predeceased by his son Peter M. Tatro and is survived by his wife, Helen K. Tatro, and his children, David J. Tatro of Wyoming, Timothy J. Tatro and wife, Judy, Mark P. Tatro, Karen E Tatro all of Montgomery, Jeanne T. Peer and husband Jon, Lynette M. Konig and husband Michael, Ellen T. Majka and husband James, all of Westfield; 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Calling hours are Monday, February 2 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Hank’s funeral is Tuesday, Feb 3 at 10:00AM at the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11AM in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Holyoke Road, Westfield.Donations may be made to the Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice, 77 Mill St. Westfield, MA 01085 or to a charity of your choice.
