Luke Edward Raia

Luke was born on October 10, 1948, in Houston, Texas, to Ben Raia and Jenny Rizzo Raia. Throughout his life, he was devoted to his family and found his greatest joy in the people he loved most.

Luke graduated high school in 1966 before proudly serving his country in the United States Army as an X-ray specialist. He was honorably discharged to the Army Reserves in 1974.

Over the years, Luke built a life through hard work, determination, and a little bit of swagger.

As a young man, he worked as a salesman for Norelco before beginning a long career in the beverage industry with Quality Beverage. After many successful years there, he later owned a landscaping business and eventually spent more than a decade in the restaurant industry.

In 1975, Luke met the love of his life, Kathy. They were married on June 3, 1977, and built nearly 49 years of life, love, laughter, and adventure together. They loved fishing and later discovered a shared enthusiasm for gambling — and according to family, that pretty much covered their favorite hobbies.

Luke always knew how to have a good time. He was happiest on the trails, in a hunting blind, or out on the water. Horses, hunting, and fishing were lifelong passions, but everything changed when he became a grandfather.

Determined not to be called “Grandpa,” he chose the name “Pops,” and it suited him perfectly. Being Pops became the role he cherished most. His grandchildren brought him endless pride, laughter, and joy, and they were undoubtedly the center of his world.

Luke was preceded in death by his parents, Ben Raia and Jenny Rizzo Raia; his brother, John Benjamin Raia; his sister, Theresa Raia; and his sister-in-law, Saana Barzilla Raia.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Kathy Raia; his sons, Mark Charles Sharp and Ben Joseph Raia; and his daughters-in-law, Glenda Gail Sharp and Marianna Hörz Raia.

He was the proud and devoted Pops to his grandchildren: Alexandria Kathryn Sharp, Reese Eleni Raia, and Luke Friedrich Raia, who Pops lovingly called “Ead.”

He is also survived by his older brother, Joseph Charles Raia, and his wife, Jacqueline Raia; his brother-in-law and his wife, Paul Gaskin Jr. and Patricia Gaskin; his niece and her husband, Jennifer Coe and Leon Coe; and his niece, Angela Buyajian; and many extended family members and friends who will miss his humor, stories, stubbornness, and larger-than-life spirit.

Though his family grieves deeply, they take comfort knowing Pops is now at peace and likely somewhere with a fishing pole in hand, good company nearby, and plenty of luck at the table.

The family invites you to a visitation on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 5pm until 8pm at Forest Park East funeral home with Dignity Memorial located at 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas 77598.

Mass will follow on Thursday, June 4, 2026, 11:00am, at Mary Queen Catholic Church located at 606 Cedarwood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546.

A celebration of life will follow at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, Pops encourages you to support the following organizations that are dear to his very loved grandchildren:

K-9 Angels Rescue for Alex

www.k-9angelsrescue.org

Friendswood High School Softball for Reese

https://fhsboosterclub.org/product/donations-made-to-fhs-softball-in-memory-of-luke-edward-raia-lovingly-known-as-pops/

Friendswood Youth Lacrosse for Luke https://buy.stripe.com/8x2bJ30MwcxHbbXeDz48004