Tommy J. RAGONESE

RAGONESE, Tommy J., age 73, of Holly, passed away January 12, 2013 at Genesys. Tom was born 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 University of Michigan, earning his Master's in teaching. Tom worked in trucking in the Midwest for 22 years, owned Rafam Trucking Company, Flint and taught science at Flint Central for 20 years. He was a proud Marine, serving from 1960-1963, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Tom was also the Commander of the Fenton V.F.W. Post # 3243 and an honor guard member. He loved retirement, traveling, camping, cooking, Florida, and ran many marathons earning the nickname The Turtle. Tom is survived by his wife Kathryn; uncle, Louis Ragonese; brother, Joseph Ragonese; sister, Pat Grosz; three daughters, Susan (Mike) Spitzer, Tina (Mike) Sawyer, and Michelle (Jorge) Barreda; son, Christopher (Cindy) Ragonese; grandchildren, Marisa, Tiffany, Garrett, Anna, Brittani, Forrest, Johnathan and Brianna; many nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends and his dog, Buddy. Tom was a special person and will be missed. Visitation will be 5:00-8:00PM Friday, February 1, 2013 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00AM Saturday, February 2, 2013 at St. Rita's Catholic Church, 309 E. Maple St., Holly. A luncheon will follow mass at the Fenton V.F.W. Post. Burial will be 10:00AM Monday, February 4, 2013 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly. Memorial donations may be made to the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Friday, February 1, 2013 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel
1000 Silver Lake Road Fenton 48430, United States

Funeral Service

Saturday, February 2, 2013 11:00 AM
St. Rita Catholic Church
309 E. Maple St. Holly 48442, United States