Epiphany Orellian Raagas, 86, died Sunday, June 12 after a long and hard fought battle with cancer at the JJ Palms private home in Chatsworth.
He was also known as ‘Fonnie’ by family and ‘Tony’ by friends and colleagues. He was a longtime resident of the San Fernando Valley.
He was born the son of Raphael Sr. and Melissa in Sonora and raised in Oakdale, along with his brother, Raphael Jr. He graduated from Oakdale High School in 1943, then was drafted into the Army to fight in the Philippines during World War II. His medals included the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Medal in October 1945. He graduated from San Jose State College with a B.A. in Engineering shortly after the war.
Mr. Raagas’ career was in aerospace. Some of his accomplishments included working on projects for the space shuttles and Boeing aircrafts. He retired in Las Vegas, Nev. (2000-2006) with his wife Dora.
He loved planes and eventually took flying lessons and received his private license/certifications in 1980. He was also a member and served as President of the Post 4140 San Fernando 43rd Nisei VFW in the mid 1980s.
He enjoyed bowling and going to the casinos. He was an easygoing guy and loved by family and friends.
He is survived by his sons, Gary (Kathleen), Patrick; stepdaughters, Francine (Craig) Raub, Alberta (Ronald) McCormick; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Theodora ‘Dora’; son, David; and brother, Raphael Jr.
He was cremated on June 22 and was laid to rest on July 22 next to his wife at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, Nev.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Providence Trinity Hospice, www.trinitycarehospice.org, click on ‘Giving.’