Raúl Baragiola

Raúl A. Baragiola passed away Sunday June 21, 2015 in Charlottesville, VA. He had led a radiant and full life, led by his three passions: his family and friends, work, and love of learning. Raúl was born on March 31, 1945 in Santa Fe, Argentina to the loving family of Jorge and Apolonia Baragiola. His sister Matilde and brother Luis remained very close to him throughout his life; they saw each other frequently despite living in three different continents. While pursuing his studies, he met Beatriz, whom he married and intimately shared the remaining 46 years of his life with. Together, they dedicated their lives to their three children: Verena, Valeria, and Pablo. Raúl loved nothing more than spending time with them, their spouses, and his grandchildren - all of whom he regularly saw. They will most miss his glowing smile and sense of humor. His deep curiosity led him to a career in physics, which allowed him to direct his brilliant mind to the mysteries of the universe. Raúl was the Alice and Guy Wilson Chair and Professor of Engineering Physics and Material Science and he directed the Laboratory for Astrophysics and Surface Physics at the University of Virginia since 1990. Previously, he worked at the Centro Atómico in Bariloche, Argentina, where he also earned his PHD. Aside from the science, Raúl was a caring teacher, mentor, and active faculty member. That same curiosity also led him to a lifelong thirst for knowledge. Along with his wife, he frequently traveled the world trying to better understand it. He loved learning about philosophy, literature, history, music and countless other fields, which he would keenly share with all around him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 27, 2015 at 3 p.m. at Teague Funeral Home in Charlottesville, VA. The family will receive guests starting at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Foundation Fighting Blindness to benefit the research of retinitis pigmentosa.