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September 2, 2009
Bernard R. Ragukas, 74, of Plymouth, entered into eternal hunting heaven on Wednesday, September 2, 2009.
He inspired us with his courage and positive attitude during his 18 month battle with lung cancer. Born October 4, 1934, he was a son of the late Anthony Ragukas and Ceil Ragukas Fabian.
He graduated from Plymouth High School, Class of 1952. He was a U.S. Navy and Marine Veteran serving during the Korean War. He worked as a tile setter for 45 years in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. He was a member of the Tile Layers Union, Local 52, of New York and Bricklayers and Trowel Trades International.
Buddy’s whole life revolved around his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was his grandchildren’s number one fan. You would find him at high school football, basketball, baseball and field hockey games at Wyoming Valley West and Lake-Lehman. He continued the tradition at James Madison University and the University of Virginia watching his granddaughters play field hockey.
He was an avid outdoorsman. He especially loved hunting on Noxen Mountain and fishing at various ponds. In November 2007, he fulfilled a lifelong dream and traveled to Alberta, Canada, to hunt White Tail Deer… Thanks Joe!
He was a member of the National Rifle Association and American Legion, Post 655 of Larksville.
He will be sadly and forever missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Anthony Ragukas.
He is survived by his wife, Pauline Purta Ragukas. They would have celebrated their 52nd anniversary on September 14, 2009. Also surviving are his daughter, Sharon Stefaniak and her husband, Len, of Concord, N.C.; son, Don Ragukas and his wife, Judy, of Sweet Valley; grandchildren, Lenny Stefaniak of Kingston, Zachary Ragukas of Pringle, Lauren Stefaniak of Harrisonburg, Va., Melissa Stefaniak of Arlington, Va., and Traci Ragukas of Sweet Valley; great-grandson, Tanner Ragukas; brother, Robert Ragukas of Plymouth; and several nieces and nephews.
Bernie’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks for the exceptional compassion delivered by his doctors, Dr. John Menio, Dr. Bruce Saidman, Dr. Joseph Stepanitis and Dr. Nirode Das and the nursing and ancillary staff at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Funeral will be Monday morning at 9 from the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 West Main Street, Plymouth, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 in All Saints Parish, 66 Willow Street, Plymouth. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Nativity Cemetery, Plymouth Township. Family and friends may call Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to All Saints Parish, 66 Willow Street, Plymouth, Pa., 18651 or to the American Cancer Society, Northeastern Chapter, 57 N. Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., 18701-1309, in Bernard’s name.
Please visit www.sjgrontkowskifuneralhome.com for additional information, directions or to submit online condolences to Bernard’s family.