Thomas Andrew Rakyta

Torrington- Thomas Andrew Rakyta, 71, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2026. He was the beloved husband of 47 years of Judy (Gibbons) Rakyta. 

Thomas was born in Torrington on November 4, 1954, son of the late Andrew and Madeline (Zbinden) Rakyta, and had been a lifelong city resident. He began his career at UOP Aerospace, where he sharpened his skills as a salesman. He went on to devote 38 years to Torrington Honda, now Sullivan Honda, where he worked as a sales manager until his retirement in 2023. His work was an important part of his life, and throughout the years he formed many friendships and enjoyed the people he met along the way. In his younger years, he worked at his father’s many businesses; the Wolcott Restaurant, where he learned to make his famous pizza, and later poured coffee at the breakfast counter of Migeon Avenue Variety Store, where he met his future wife, Judy.

He was a former member of the Torrington BPOE Lodge #372 and enjoyed golfing and playing tennis. As a younger man, he loved water skiing and spending time at both Highland and Tyler Lakes. He loved to watch history documentaries, James Bond films, and was known to rewatch The Godfather yearly. He also had a great love for classic rock music and enjoyed playing the guitar.

For years, Tom looked forward to his summer vacation on Cape Cod. He would take his girls swimming and walking across the sandbars of the bay in Eastham, where he was convinced there were no sharks. He cherished the sunsets, late nights playing cards, and the feeling of the outdoor shower after a long day at the beach.

Those who knew him will remember his wonderful sense of humor and his gift for telling a good story. Thomas loved to make people laugh and was happiest simply enjoying good times with the people he cared about. His stories, laughter, and presence had a way of bringing people together and making them feel like family.

Above all else, his greatest joy was his family, especially his role as Papa to his five grandchildren. Time spent with them meant the world to him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his humor, his stories, and most of all, the love he had for his family.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Judy, include three daughters, Kimberly Bado and her husband, John, Jessica Rodegher and her husband, Joe, and Caitlin Thomson and her husband, David; five grandchildren, Jack and Brooke Bado, Nicholas and Sofia Rodegher, and Maeve Thomson; a brother, Fred Rakyta and his wife, Kim; two nieces, Stacy Quint and Kristen Rakyta; three grandnieces, one grandnephew, and many close cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 837 Charles St., Torrington. There will be no calling hours.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate) or Connecticut Children’s Hospital (https://www.connecticutchildrensfoundation.org/) 

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