Carl H. Slaski

On August 18, 2026, Carl H. Slaski (age 85) joined the Great Fighter Squadron in the Sky. Carl passed away after a brief illness at Rosalia Gardens in Antigo, Wisconsin, surrounded by his loving wife Trish and his faithful dog Sammy. Carl was born in Cannonsburg, Pa., July 18,1941, to Harry and Sophia Slaski (Bielwicz). As a child, Carl wanted to fly airplanes. When the Vietnam War began, Carl left college and enlisted in the Marines. He was a fighter pilot in Vietnam flying the F-4 Phantom, the A-4 Skyhawk, the A-6 Intruder, and the F-8 Crusader in combat and air support missions under the call-sign “Batman.” He served in active duty and the USMC Reserves from 1962 to 1990, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the Vietnam Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Bronze Service Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Service Expeditionary Medal and 9 separate strike flight awards. Following active duty, Carl earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Duquesne University in 1970, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 1971 from the University of Pittsburgh. He also earned a Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA) designation. He worked with Corning Glass, SpaceHab and the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), where he would retire as Comptroller in 2010. Carl loved running, and participated in numerous marathons, including the prestigious United States Marine Corps Marathon. He also enjoyed golfing and fishing, and was an active member of the Antigo Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Carl is survived by his wife, Trish Slaski, his daughter Anne Rhatican, his son Matthew Slaski, and stepchildren Kelly Hugunin and Patrick (Julie) Hugunin. Carl is also survived by his grandchildren Alexis (Dylan) Carter, Elizabeth Rhatican, Max Brown and Aoife Hugunin, and Sisters-in-law Marvene (Robert) O’Rourke and Linda Slaski, and nieces and nephews Jennifer Slaski, Michael (Amanda) Slaski, Sara (Derek) Prather and Brenna (Francois) Wongue. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bunny, and his brother Kenneth V. Slaski. A Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held September 20, 2026 from 2 to 4pm at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center St, Manassas, VA 20110. Carl will be interred at Quantico National Cemetery in Quantico, Virginia, with full military honors. Carl has requested memorial contributions go to the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR) in Reinhold, Pennsylvania.

Carl H. Slaski

July 18, 1941 - August 18, 2026