John F. Ragusa, of Holbrook, formerly of Dorchester, passed away on April 11, 2016, at the age of 88. Born in So. Boston, he graduated from Boston English High School, Class of 1944. John served in all three branches of the Naval Service, the Coast Guard during WWII, then in the Naval Air Force and as a member of the Marines during the Korean War. During his military career, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Korean Service medal with three battle stars and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. John was past adjutant of Post # 86 American Legion in Braintree, Chaplain of the Top Three Military Retired since 1994 and Director of music for the Mens Club of Braintree since 1992. He was also a volunteer umpire in the Town of Holbrook for 45 years and a volunteer for Toys for Tots. John was retired as a 5th grade teacher at the Conley School in Whitman for over 30 years. He was a member of the Holbrook Historical Society for many years, a lector and usher at St. Joseph Church in Holbrook and an accomplished poet. John was also a charter member of the Belles and Beaux, which entertained at Veterans Hospitals and Nursing Homes. John is survived by his beloved wife, Lorraine (Auclair) Ragusa. Loving father of William Ragusa of Cambridge, Md. and Janet Cressman of Frederick, Md. Dear grandfather of Thomas, Andrew and Joseph and great-grandfather of Dennis Paxton. Devoted brother of Jeannette Corrao and her husband Tony of Brookfield, Wis. and the late Joseph Ragusa. Reposing at the Cartwright Funeral Home, 68 So. Franklin St. (Rte. 37) Holbrook, until 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 18, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 153 So. Franklin St., Holbrook. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday, April 17, from 3 | 7 p.m. Burial in Union Cemetery, Holbrook. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Toys for Tots, 23 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 or to the National Kidney Foundation , 85 Astor Ave #2, Norwood, MA 02062. For directions or to leave a sympathy message for the family, visit www.cartwrightfuneral.com.
Published in The Canton Journal