Louis R. Rantus

BETHEL—Louis R. Rantus, 68, of Bethel, died Thursday, June 21, 2007 at the VA Medical Center in White River Jct.

He was born April 30, 1939 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Anthony Siciliano and Constance Capone.

He attended Lindonhurst, L.I., N.Y. schools. Following his education, he served in the U.S. Army with the 82^nd 11^th Airborne 187 Ranger Combat Team and 10^th Special Forces

After his discharge from the service, he married Felicia Bonkowski November 26, 1960 in Wyandanch, L.I., N.Y. The Rantus moved to Florida, where he worked as a carpenter and builder for 35 years. They moved to Bethel in 2004. He had worked as a carpenter for H.P. Cummings in Woodstock for the past three years. He was a past member of the Gold Coast Airborne Club in Florida.

Survivors include his wife, Felicia Rantus of Bethel; two sons: John Rantus of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; and Dominic Rantus of Bethel; two daughters: Tina Gerstorff of Derry, N.H. and Melissa Lockwood of Londonderry, N.H.; and seven grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Memorial services were held Monday afternoon, June 25 at the Day Funeral Home in Randolph. The Rev. Mary Lewis Webb, Chaplain from the VA Hospital, shared scripture, prayer, and poetry, while reflecting on Louis’ life. Special music for the service included a bagpipe arrangement of "Amazing Grace" and vocal arrangements of "Mansion Over the Hilltop" and "The Green Beret Song."

Military honors were accorded by the Army National Guard, who folded and presented the American flag to Mrs. Rantus. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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