John William Raggio

John William Raggio, 86, of Merced, California, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026.

John was born on September 11, 1939, in Stockton, California, into a hard‑working Italian family that shaped his lifelong values of honest work, responsibility, and pride in providing for his family. After attending college and serving in the Army National Guard, he returned home and began a distinguished 35‑year career with Pacific Gas & Electric. He later continued his commitment to public service as Director of Public Works for the City of Merced, a position he held for ten years. Throughout his life, John was an active member of numerous boards and service organizations and took great pride in contributing to his community.

In 1964, John married the love of his life, Beverly Raggio (née Silva). They were true partners in every sense of the word and shared sixty-two years of marriage. Together they raised two daughters, Gina and Angela, instilling in them the values of honesty, hard work, and the importance of family.

Outside of work, John found joy in simple pleasures—working in his yard, fixing anything that needed repair, restoring his 1965 truck, and entertaining family and friends. He was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved.

John will be remembered for his kindness, fairness, and sense of humor. His legacy lives on through the family and friends he cherished and the community he proudly served.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elsie Raggio, and his brother‑in‑law, Paul D. Raggio. He is survived by his devoted wife, Beverly; his daughters, Gina Raggio of Roseville and Angela (Brian Mory) of Roseville; Angela’s stepson, Nicholas Mory of San Jose; his beloved sister, Betty Raggio of Angels Camp; and his nephews, Paul Raggio (Heidi) of Merced and John Raggio (Clare) of Milton, along with their children.  He is further survived by his lifelong best friend, Marshall Rojas (Priscilla) of Stockton.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on May 7, 2026, and will begin with viewing at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church 671 E. Yosemite Avenue, Merced, CA. A reception will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Bella Luna Restaurant 350 W. Main Street, Merced, CA. He will be laid to rest in a private graveside service, at the San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in John’s memory to the Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation @supportmercymerced.org or to UC Merced @giving@ucmerced.edu.

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