Walter A. Rapetski Sr., who helped develop key compounding and mixing equipment during a 47-year career at Farrel Corp., died June 24 in New Haven. He was 72.
He had complications from diabetes, said a spokesman for Farrel of Ansonia, Conn.
Rapetski of Orange, Conn., had retired in 2001 as vice president of technology.
Born in New Haven, Rapetski was the son of Russian immigrants. They encouraged him to attend college and pursue a career. He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
He was the driving force behind Farrel's equipment for plastics and rubber compounders. He held numerous patents, including one for the company's continuous mixer. He also helped develop the second-generation of the Banbury mixer.
He traveled extensively for his job, and he gave lectures on compounding.
