John Ragusa Obituary

Ragusa, John Joseph John Joseph Ragusa, born April 9, 1935, passed away at 10:20 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He was 71 and a resident of Baton Rouge. A wonderful and loyal husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, Johnny was a man of great faith, integrity and wisdom. He never met a stranger and touched everyone he knew in a special way. He retired from the Department of Public Safety in 1996. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Diane Bethke Ragusa; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Brad Kaiser; son, Samuel J. Ragusa; son and daughter-in-law, Blaze and Cathy Ragusa; daughter, Gina Ragusa and friend Rose Anna LaPorte; grandchildren, Richelle Paige, Angela Phillips, Ricky Metz, Trisha Ragusa, Brittany Ragusa, Michael Ragusa and Catie Ragusa; and great-grandchildren, Jacob Rabalais, Hudson Paige, Paige Phillips, T.J. Phillips and Trevor Phillips. He is also survived by his seven sisters and brothers-in-law, Carrie and James Hernandez, Margie Parsons, Marie and Michael Capone Sr., Francis Ann Noto, Rosalie and Howard Holder, JoAnn and Bob Tiffee, Ina Claire and Lynn Dugas; brother-in-law and wife, Bob and Shirley Bethke; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce Babin Ragusa; son John J. Ragusa Jr.; parents, Mary and Sam Ragusa; brothers, Ben, infant Sam, Sam Jr. and Huey Ragusa; and brothers-in-law, Thomas Parsons, Emile Noto, Johnny Griffin and Herman Jacob. Visiting at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., was on Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., concelebrated by the Rev. Than Vu and the Rev. Jerry Martin. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Jason Jacob, Eugene McGehee, Ricky Metz II, Tommy Parsons, Jacob Rabalais and Michael Ragusa. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Bethke, Ivan Cabrara, Johnny Covington and Col. Tony Genusa. He was a member of St. Patrick Usher Society and Knights of Columbus Council 8601. He was a longtime friend of Bill Wilson. Special thanks to the nursing staff and doctors at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. Please join us in celebrating John's life by visiting our memorial at http://www.mem.com. Through the personal guest book on this site, we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.

Published by The Advocate from Jan. 23 to Jan. 24, 2007.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Ragusa

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Diane and Family... My deepest condolences on the loss of your spouse and father, Johnny. I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was such a lovely person. Know that I will keep him in my prayers as well as you and the family. Affectionately,

Edna O. Martin

February 19, 2007

Aunt Diane, Brenda, Sammy, Blaze and Gina, The loving tributes to Uncle Johnny are just a small reflection of how wonderful he was. He always had a smile even when he was suffering and in pain. Johnny was the one we knew would always help bring a smile to our face no matter what was happening. He was a man of many talents. Great dancer, full of love for people, great understanding, and just the kind of person you wanted to be with. I miss him so much! I will keep all of you and Uncle Johnny in my prayers. Love,

Eddie Dimaio

February 4, 2007

Dear Diane, Brenda, Sammy, Blaze and Gina..

There are all kind of brothers. Some you love, some you hate, some you kinda love, some you love but not like....and the list goes on, but, John, my brother, was the kind you loved and cherished throughout your life journey. Though we had disagreements at times, mostly over the stupidity of politics, we never went to bed angry at each other

When grief overwhelmed me during some trying times in my life, Johnny was there comforting me like no other. He was my Jesus with skin, and oh, how I needed and cherished his words of wisdom and his presence in my world.

He never gave me presents, he never gave me flowers, but he gave me the most important gift of all and that was his unconditional love. I hope I was able to return that gift to him also. He was the sweetest, funniest, most courageous man I have ever known.

Not hearing his voice anymore, talking about family concerns, leaves an empty space in my heart.

God bless you for being the best family he could have, and because his spirit remains in you as well as all of us.

Sister-in-law and Aunt Ina Claire

Ina Dugas

January 25, 2007

Dear Brenda,
I do know what it is like to loose a father and will keep you in my prayers.
God bless you and your family.
Cheryl Lowry

Cheryl Lowry

January 25, 2007

Brenda,

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember how often you spoke of your father and how special he was to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Janie Williams

January 25, 2007

Dear Diane,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that our prayers are with you. John was a wonderful man.
We miss our St. Patrick family and know that they will be great comfort to you in the months ahead.

Larry & Phyllis Loft

January 25, 2007

To Gina, Blaze, and all the family...I cannot imagine the loss of a father, but will keep you in my prayers up here in Cincinnati. It's so sad to lose another of the great Ragusa men.
Love,
Julie O'Neill
(the late J.Y. Ragusa's granddaughter)

Julie O'Neill-Gregory

January 24, 2007

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Karl & Tami Griffin

January 24, 2007

Brenda,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Faye Hoffman Talbot

January 24, 2007

To Brenda and your family: I'm so sorry for your loss! I hope the many wonderful memories bring you joy and peace and help you through the rough times. My prayers are with you.

Angie LaPlace

January 24, 2007

Henry&Vi Carney

January 24, 2007

Aunt Diane, Blaze and family,
You all are in our thughts and prayers during this difficult time. What a beautiful legacy he has left and as this guestbook shows, he touched so many people. May God Bless you all.

DeShay, Jenna & Colton Dimaio

January 24, 2007

Brenda,

I,m so very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Carol Guzzardo

Carol Guzzardo

January 24, 2007

Dear Angela & Ragusa Family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Brandy Kritsonis

January 24, 2007

Johnny was a wonderful man who allways had a smile and a kind word to share. He taught me about character and perserverance. I thank God for the pleasure of getting to know him. My condolences to the family.

frank BLACKBURN

January 24, 2007

Brenda,
So sorry to hear of your Loss, Thoughts and prayers are with You and your family.

Terry Stein

January 23, 2007

Dear Ragusa family,
I just want to express my condolences to the family. Mr. Johnny was such a wonderful man with a vibrant personality. He was such a special friend to my dad. (Alfred Cayer) Daddy has talked so highly of Mr. Johnny with all of the years that they worked together and even there after. He will truly be missed.

Karen Cayer-Collins

Karen Cayer-Collins

January 23, 2007

SAMMY, MRS. DIANE, BRENDA, BLAZE AND GINA,
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU. MAY GOD BLESS AND HOLD EACH OF YOU IN THE PALMS OF HIS HANDS TO BRING MUCH COMFORT DURING THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME.
LOVE ALWAYS,

JULIE SEIDENGLANZ

January 23, 2007

Sammy, Brittany & Ragusa Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts & prayers.

Brett & Tracy Fontenot

January 23, 2007

Joel and I are so sorry to hear about Johnny. We are so greatful we saw him a couple of months ago at Magnolia. You both will always have a special place in our hearts.

Linda Walton

January 23, 2007

Dearest Dee,
You and your family are in our prayers. "You" touched me and my kids in so many ways.We send love and wrap you in a blanket of prayer and love and comfort.
Love you, Phyllis, Melanie, Waylon,Amber, and Steven Garner

Phyllis Authement

January 23, 2007

Angela and her family.. We all have prayed for the family each and every day..God knows he is in a much matter place. We love you . Mrs. Mikki, James Zerik Brandy and little ones.

Mikki Kinser

January 23, 2007

Uncle Johnny, Thank you for being a great uncle and godfather. I thank you for your guidance and advice. Thank you for your smile. You brought much joy to my life. I will miss you greatly.

Love always,

Jason Jacob

January 23, 2007

Dear All, I am so very sorry to hear here about pawpaw I wish I could be there with you during these hard times. I want you all to know how sorry I am and that I love you all so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you everyday.

Trisha Ragusa Clason Lumpkin

January 23, 2007

Brenda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult moment in your lives. God bless you.

Sandra Wilson

January 23, 2007

Brenda, As soon as I heard the news about your father, I sat at my desk and cried so much because I know how much you adored your him. My heart goes out to you and your family at such a great loss. I know he knew how much you loved him and cared for him. As much as you are loved and cherished at work I can only imagine how much he love and cherished you. All my heart. Sherri Wharton Hadskey

Sherri Wharton-Hadskey

January 23, 2007

Ina Claire, I heard Johnny was ill and have been praying for you and your family. I remember you talking of him with such love when I worked with you. Please remember he is in the arms of angels and will wait for each member of his beloved family. Love, Agnes

Agnes Bickham

January 23, 2007

Brenda, I want to send my condolonces to your family. I remember when your Dad had his battle with lung cancer. God was good to him and gave him some more good years. We are never ready to let our parents go, but we have to surrender to God's will. May He comfort you.
Love You,
Judith Bingham

Judith Bingham

January 23, 2007

Ina Clair, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. May God comfort you and all of your brother's loved ones.

Kitty McCormick-Morgan

January 23, 2007

To all the Family,
We have you, and Uncle Johnnie, in our prayers. May God give you strength during this difficult time. Uncle Johnnie will be sorely missed by all - he was always one who had a joke and a smile. Love, Ronnie and Kathy G.

Kathy Gill

January 23, 2007

Diane, Brenda, Sammy, Blaze and Gina - I want to express my heartfelt sympathy; I was saddened to hear about the news of Johnny’s death. Johnny was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. While there is nothing I can say that will ease your loss, I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you all.

With love and sympathy,

Sandy Clason

January 23, 2007

Diane,
Please accept out deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, John.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Mimi and Gene Gautreau

Noemie/Gene Gautreau

January 23, 2007

Diane I am so sorry to hear of Johnny's death. You and your family are in my prayers. He was a dear person and helped a lot of people.Pat Janotka Hoover (Bill W friend)

Pat Janotka Hoover

January 23, 2007

Diane, my deepest sympathy to you and the family for your loss. Please know that you and yours will be in my prayers, as will Johnny. He is now free of all pain and discomfort and I am sure in heavenly surroundings. Where better else to be but with the Lord! My thoughts and love are with you and know that I am here for you should you need me. Affectionately, your St. Patrick's sister.

Edna O. Martin

January 23, 2007

Blaize, your dad was such a special man. It was so hard to be in a bad mood around him; he easily brought out a smile in everyone that came in contact with him. He will be missed.

Donna and Clint White

January 23, 2007

My uncle was a wonderful, charismatic, charming, funny, and witty man. His family will miss him very much, as well as all who had the pleasure of knowing him. I know that I will miss him as I do my own father. We will remember all the good times and treasure them forever.

Teri Ricks

January 23, 2007

Brenda, Blaze, Sammy and Diane,
My heart goes out to you at this time and the days ahead. Uncle Johnny was a wonderful man and will surely be missed by all who knew him. If there is anything I can do for the family please do not hesitate to ask. I love you!

Vickie Nardi-Seal

January 23, 2007

Mrs. Dee, I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that all of you will be in my prayers. Brittany, much love from me and Jonathan.
Pam Mire

Pam Mire

January 23, 2007

Gina,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Love, Cappy & Sally

Patrice Cavalier

January 23, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Clay and Sheila Fletcher

January 23, 2007

We will miss you

Arne & Joanie Christiansen

January 23, 2007

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