Tommy J. Ragonese

RAGONESE, Tommy J., age 73 of Holly, passed away January 12, 2013 at Genesys. Tom was born on July 16, 1939 in Cleveland, OH to Sicilian parents Josephine and James Ragonese. He attended Parma High School, Ohio State University, Spring Arbor University, Oakland University and UofM, earning his Master’s in teaching. Tom worked in trucking in the Midwest for 22 years, owned Rafam Trucking Company in Flint and taught science at Flint Central for 20 years. He was a proud Marine, serving from 1960 until 1963 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Tom was also the Commander of the Fenton VFW Post 3243and an honor guard member. He loved retirement, traveling, camping, cooking, Florida and ran many marathons, earning him the nickname The Turtle. Tom is survived by his wife Kathryn; uncle, Louis Ragonese; brother, Joseph Ragonese; sister, Pat Grosz, and Lois Ragonese; three daughters; Susan, (Mike) Spitzer, Tina (Mike) Sawyer, and Michelle (Jorge) Barreda; son, Christopher (Cindy) Ragonese; grandchildren; Marissa, Tiffany, Garrett, Anna, Brittani, Forrest, Johnathan, and Brianna; many nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends and dog Buddy. Tom was a special person and will be missed. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Rita’s in Holly, MI with a wake and luncheon at the Fenton VFW Post at 1:30 p.m. Donations can be made to the family. Burial of cremated remains will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery on Monday, February 4, 2013 at 10 a.m.