Robert "Bob" M. Raga

Raga, Robert “Bob” Michael, (91), of The Villages, Florida died on Monday, May 8, 2023.

Bob was born in Utica, NY and served in the United States Air Force.

He was married to the late Madeline Raga (nee Samyn) on February 12, 1955, and they were married for 54 years.

Bob, together with Madeline, raised their family in the Kansas City, Missouri area where they owned an insurance agency.  Bob was the consummate salesperson with a strong belief in giving the best customer service.  Upon retirement, he spent time at The Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri and the last 25 years in The Villages, Florida living his best life. 

He enjoyed playing golf and bridge with Madeline, as well as singing karaoke with his many friends.  He was very active in the community, both in Kansas City and Lake of the Ozarks, MO as well as The Villages, FL.   After the passing of Madeline in 2009, he became a grief minister and supported many widowers through a difficult time in their lives.  He never met a stranger and anyone in Bob’s presence always felt welcome.

Bob is survived by two children, Tom (Lynn) Raga of St. Charles, MO and Cindy Cookston of Grain Valley, MO; five grandchildren, Jamie Randall, Chase Cookston, Erin (Keith) Finnigan, Abbie Raga and Andrew Raga; and two great grandchildren, Kayla (Brian) Scott and Jameson Finnigan.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife Madeline Raga (nee Samyn), daughter Debra Nitcher and his parents Michael and Anna Marie Raga as well as his three sisters.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in The Villages, Florida on Wednesday, May 17 at 8:30 a.m.  A Memorial Service will be held at the Gazebo at Swan Lake Memorial Park Cemetery in Grain Valley, Missouri on Friday, May 19 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 1351 Paige Place, Lady Lake, FL  32159 or The Foundation for Barnes Jewish Hospital - www.foundationbarnesjewish.org  The family of Bob Raga wishes to thank the wonderful staff at BJC Hospital and Washington University for the exceptional care and compassion they provided in his last days.