Vincent Joseph Ragusa Jr., age 70, known to family and friends as "Dago or Rocky", entered eternal rest in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, following a long battle with cancer, on Friday, July 31, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years Salvatricia (Sallie) Maloz Ragusa; two loving sons, Vincent Joseph Ragusa III (Courtney) and Anthony Gerard Ragusa (Jackie), six adored grandchildren, Isabella (Belle) Ragusa Blaise (Mitchell), Dominic Joseph, Caden Anthony, Caleb Michael, Lila Ann, & Olivia Grace; as well as two cherished siblings, Salvadore "Sal" Vincent, and Victoria "Vicki" Elizabeth Ragusa.
Also left to treasure his amazing memory are many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, extended family, friends and colleagues.
Vincent was preceded in death by his parents Vincent Joseph Ragusa Sr, and Elizabeth Marrone Ragusa; sisters-in-law, Sandy Hall Ragusa and Jeannine Maloz Rigney; brothers-in-law, Timothy Joseph Maloz Sr, and Thomas Jude Rigney; and his nephew Raymond Wilson Richard.
He was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Vincent served as a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He worked professionally for many years in the Maritime industry, Audubon Aquarium, and in the catholic church parish of Transfiguration of the Lord. Vincent spent many years as a brother Knight of the Knights of Columbus Father Francis X Seelos, Council 2878.
Vincent had a love for the life he lived with his adored family and was known for his unique talents of playing practical (and some not so practical) jokes on those he loved. Vincent's generosity and kindness were just a few of his amazing traits. Vincent enjoyed Stargazing and all things space and creation. Vincent recently enjoyed a bucket list dream of being present for the launch of Artemis II. His life and his heart were bigger than life itself. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Ochsner Oncology team and St. Tammany Parish Hospice.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Leitz Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006, on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
A Catholic Funeral Mass will immediately follow.
Interment to be held at Metairie Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to National Space Grant Foundation Inc. at www.spacegrant.org
Please visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook.
Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.
