Obituaries

William “Bill” Ragni Sr., a lifelong resident of old Forge, passed away peacefully Sunday morning at home.
Born July 13th, 1935 at home in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, he was a small baby who was “two and a quarter” at birth and was kept warm fireside in a basket.
He was preceded in death by his brother Joseph Ragni of Waterbury, Connecticut, Nello Ragni, of Old Forge, his wife of 50 years, Irene Kadjeski Ragni of Old Forge, and his parents Attillo Ragni and Edith Materazzi Ragni of Old Forge. He is survived by his sister; Floria Ragni Tomarelli of Old Forge, his two children; William Joseph Ragni Jr. and his wife Shelly Sipler Ragni, of Mechanicsburg, PA, and his daughter Lisa Ragni Fultz of Old Forge. His six grandchildren; Dr. David Fultz and his wife Lindsey Fultz of Shavertown, Meghan Ragni of Camp Hill, PA, Caitlyn Ragni of Camp Hill, Connor Fultz of Old Forge, PA, Jake Ragni of Mechanicsburg, PA, Brock Ragni of Mechanicsburg, PA, and his beloved companion Gabriella “Gabby” Gorecka of several years, also from Old Forge. He had the privilege of having his last rites performed by Reverend August “Gus” Ricciardi of Prince of Peace Parish, his former bocce ball partner.
Bill was a lifelong resident of Old Forge, PA and prided himself on his hometown roots. He worked at Brooks Manufacturing and the Chamberlin Corporation, but most enjoyed his time spent as Maintenance Supervisor at the Old Forge School District, where he was an employee for 26 years. He was a member of Prince of Peace-Catholic Parish at St. Mary’s Church in Old Forge. He was also an active member for 40 years as an Officer in the Old Forge Booster Club, in addition to running the Blue Devil concession stand. He participated in the Old Forge Lions Club, the Sons of Italy, the Young Democrats Association, as well as an Old Forge Little League coach.
While he had a variety of interests, Bill’s greatest loves in life were his children, grandchildren, companion Gabby, and the full life that he led in Old Forge. He actively played golf and bocce ball, made a delicious risotto, and never missed the opportunity to attend an Old Forge event. He always was present at his grandson’s sporting events, both at the high school and collegiate level, and was dedicated to his beloved Giants and Yankees. He enjoyed his weekly chats with his son, William “Billy” Ragni Jr., spending hours talking on the phone about everything from the progress of the Yankees to Dancing with the Stars. His routine with Gabby was something he treasured as well. Their time together was precious, and they lived each day together fully. He often said, “She is the world to me, and I am the world to her.” The family would like to thank Traditional Hospice Home for their services, and their diligent support in easing Bill’s passing, as he wished for his final days to be spent at home with family.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Friday at 9:15AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street in Old Forge, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Prince of Peace Parish, 123 West Grace Street in Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. August A. Ricciardi, Pastor. Interment will follow at Marcy Cemetery in Duryea.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday between 4-7:00pm at the funeral home.