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Murrells Inlet….. Anthony “Tony” Ragno passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024 at the age of 92. His final day was spent surrounded by family and laughter while celebrating Thanksgiving at his daughter’s home, and his final weeks were marked by a visit from all 4 of his children to celebrate his birthday. He did what he loved best—shared food, laughter, and good conversation with his family and friends. Tony was born on November 19, 1932 in Jersey City, NJ to the late Sante and Julia Ragno. He was the seventh of nine children, and he was known as Tiny to his brothers and sisters (despite growing to over 6 ft tall!). His family instilled in him strong values: a love for his family, a strong belief in the Catholic faith, an appreciation for music, and a dedication to hard work and education. He played the piano in his family’s “band” and had a life-long love of jazz music and live musical performances. Tony proudly served his country in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. He met his late wife and best friend, Mary, at the roller skating rink, and they were married for almost 50 years and had 4 children. Tony worked at RCA for 30 years. He had a full and active life. Tony enjoyed the outdoors—both the mountains and the ocean—and always had a sense of adventure. He enjoyed traveling into his 90s. He was an avid golfer for several years, and he could often be found working in the garden. Tony also loved to learn about history and to discuss it with others. He truly enjoyed a good conversation. He was known as a jokester and loved to tease his family and friends. Tony also loved good food. He always had a bowl of nuts next to his TV recliner, and he would never turn down Oysters Rockefeller. Never. Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, his 8 siblings, his great grandchild, Isiah, his second wife, Bettye Bunker, and her son, Randy. He is survived by his children, Carol Petruzzi and her husband James of NJ, Joanne Verile of NJ, Robert Ragno and his wife Paulette of SC, and Laura Fowler and her husband Robert of SC; his grandchildren Heather, Brian, Peter, Michael, Michelle, Elisabeth, Joseph, Joshua, Marsha, Daniel, Missy, Roger, Frankie, Suzy, Tee, and Kristen; and his 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his second wife, Bettye’s daughter Priscilla; and her grandchildren Justin, Kelli, and Keri. The family will receive friends at Goldfinch Funeral Home Beach Chapel on Friday, December 6 from 2-4pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Saturday, December 7 at 9:30am. The burial will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery with Military honors. The family has asked that donations be made in Tony’s name to the VFW at VFW.org. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is assisting the family.

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Anthony "Tony" Ragno

November 19, 1932 - November 29, 2024