Victor Rafael "Vic" Carattini

Victor Rafael Carattini, age 92, formerly of Battle Creek, and now of Southport, NC, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Sept 23, 2020. Victor was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, February 15th, 1928, to Rafael Carattini Gonzalez and Ana Virginia Orozco(Najarro).

Victor was the eldest and last remaining survivor of five siblings. Although never enlisted, Victor grew up in the shadow of his father's distinguished military career, who had earned the rank of Master-Sargent in the US Army Signal Corps and also served as Aide to President (then Colonel Dwight D. Eisenhower). His father's postings took Victor from Puerto Rico to Panama, to New Jersey, to Virginia, and back again to Panama for the first 20 years of his life!

Victor completed his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Tulane University (New Orleans, LA), which included participating as a team member of Dr. Jonas Salk's Polio Vaccine Laboratory Project. Victor met student-nurse, Marilyn Louise Card, at his part-time job in the coroner's office and they were married December 8, 1949. They enjoyed 63 years together until her passing in 2012.

Most of their child-rearing years were spent in Battle Creek where all five of their children are graduates of St. Philip High School. All five children are also college graduates. His sister's niece from Panama joined Victor & Marilyn for several years; eventually earning an A.A. degree from Kellogg Community College. Late in life his younger brother Jorge came into their care. Their love and encouragement helped Jorge fulfill his lifelong goal: the achievement of a high school diploma (GED).

Victor worked as a Research Chemist at the General Foods - C.W. Post plant until his retirement in 1983. He was also a member of the 1st graduating class of the newly re-named Western Michigan University, receiving his Masters' Degree in Bio-medical Sciences.

Victor believed in giving-back, sacrifice, duty, and a commitment to his faith. He demonstrated this through his dedication to community service and the mentoring of all 4 of his sons to earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He was an Assistant Scoutmaster and also the coordinator for the Catholic Scouting award "Ad Altari Dei" for the Kalamazoo Deanery. Victor was awarded the Silver Beaver, the highest achievement possible for volunteerism in Scouting! He took on the responsibilities of president for both the St. Philip's Dad's Club and the Catholic Athletic Association. He was a Grand Knight (in addition to many other offices) for the Knights of Columbus. St. Philip Catholic High School inducted Victor into the St. Philip Hall of Fame (this honor and the Silver Beaver distinction are both vetted without the knowledge of the recipient).

In his retirement years, Victor & Marilyn spent several years in Livermore, CA, closer to his 3 brothers; then 11 years in Petoskey, MI, caring for his mother-in-law; 5 years near son David in Rockford, MI and many years in North Carolina with daughter Deanna.

Victor is survived by his children: David (spouse Anne Marie), Darryl (spouse Kathy), Daniel, DeAnna (spouse Paul), Dwight (spouse Susan) and very special niece Marta Hill (spouse Keith).

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to contribute to the memory of Victor, may do so through the Carattini Scholarship Program by donating to the Battle Creek Community Foundation, 32 West Michigan Avenue, Suite #1, Battle Creek, MI 49017-3505, (269) 962-2101.


A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Christopher Ankley at 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 8th at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Battle Creek, MI. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 11:30 a.m. and then the Mass will begin at 12:00 noon. Inurnment will follow on Friday, October 9th at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family is being served by the Farley-Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek.