Obituary of Dominic A. Ragusa
Dominic Anthony Ragusa, age 83, of Joliet, and formerly of Crest Hill, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, following a long and hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born August 1, 1942 in Joliet, he was the son of the late Joseph and Petrina (Grimaudo) Ragusa, and was a graduate of Joliet Catholic High School with the Class of 1960. After attending Weeden Barber College, Dominic embarked on a 54 year career working at the Ragusa family barber shop. Many will remember him sitting on the large rock in front of the barber shop awaiting the next customer.
Dominic married the love of his life, Delores (Fabbre) Ragusa on June 5, 1965, and they would have celebrated their 61st anniversary this Friday. She survives along with their loving children, Greg (Liz) Ragusa and Gina (Jim) Tacchia, both of Joliet; four grandchildren, Alaina (Shawn) Greening, Alex (Angel) Ragusa, Abigail Ragusa and Emma Tacchia; his great-granddaughter, Wrenley Greening; three brothers, Joseph (Lois) Ragusa, John (Bonnie) Ragusa, and Peter (Janet) Ragusa; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dominic was a proud veteran of the United States Army serving from 1962-65. He also appreciated the opportunity to serve for 39 years as a Commissioner for the Lockport Township Fire Protection District. Additionally, Dominic was a long-time member of the former Church of St. Anthony and also enjoyed his membership in the Joliet Rivals Club.
Dominic was a car enthusiast whose restored 1965 Pontiac GTO was his pride and joy. He enjoyed attending cruise nights and car shows throughout the area. Delores and Dominic also enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and their Florida home. Their most treasured travel memories were their large family vacations to Florida and Michigan. An avid Cubs fan, Dominic enjoyed keeping busy with projects around the home he built and maintaining his well-manicured lawn.
The family would like to thank Dominic’s caregivers, Maureen Swiersz and Sherrika Williams, for their loving care and support.
Visitation for Dominic Ragusa will be held Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 5, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., from the funeral home to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will be in Resurrection Mausoleum, Romeoville, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Army.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Rush University Parkinson’s Disease Research (www.rushgiving/neuro.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory.
