John Joseph Ragognetti, 76, a Wilton resident since 1972, passed away at home after a battle with gastric cancer on Friday, January 4, 2019. His beloved wife Bettye, daughters Susan and Nancy and son Christopher were beside him when he passed. He was a doting husband, father and grandfather to seven grandchildren, whom he adored. He was loved by all who met him.
John was born in Manhattan on December 4, 1942 to the late Josephine (D’Angelo) and Alphonso Ragognetti and raised in Centerport, NY. In Centerport, he was fortunate to meet his wife Bettye at a young age.
John graduated in the top ten of his class from Harborfields High School in Greenlawn, NY in 1960 and attended Lehigh University where he was also a member of the Kappa Alpha Society. He earned his undergraduate degree cum laude from Fordham University. He also received an MBA degree with honors from the University of Bridgeport.
He was an avid reader and loved poetry. He loved going to seminars at the Wilton Library and leading reading groups at the Senior Center. He was a passionate gardener and took pride in his miniature roses.
John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bettye; daughter Susan von Brachel (John) of Maplewood, NJ; daughter Nancy Nestor (John) of Harwinton, CT; son Christopher (Nicole) of Medina, MN; grandchildren James, Tess, Elinor, Jack, Samantha, Alex and Will. He is also survived by his brother Vincent (Carol) Ragognetti of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life was held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John’s name to Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County.
This obituary was taken in part from the The Wilton Bulletin, published January 15, 2019.