Obituary of Phillip Paul Ragusa
Phillip Paul Ragusa, age 82, of Plainfield, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center, with his loving family by his side.
Born May 23, 1943, in Joliet, he was the son of Filipo and Maria (Lucia) Ragusa. He was a graduate of Joliet Central High School with the Class of 1961, and completed additional professional training at Joliet Junior College and Governor’s State University.
Phil married his high school sweetheart, best friend, and the love of his life, Sandra Lee Ragusa, and they enjoyed 59 years of marriage until her passing February 8, 2021.
A distinguished and well respected member of the Joliet Police Department, Phil joined the force on December 5, 1963, was promoted to Sergeant October 31, 1977, promoted to Lieutenant January 11, 1988, and attained the rank of Captain on May 14, 1991. During his years of service he was the recipient of numerous awards and citations including the Medal of Heroism for his unselfish act of bravery and gallantry, April 1990. He retired from JPD January 26, 1997, following 33 years of dedicated service.
Phil was a gifted craftsman and master carpenter with the ability to fix anything and the determination to finish every project he started. He especially enjoyed caring for his 1957 Ford Fairlane, and will be remembered for his sweet tooth and passion for carrot cake and donuts. Phil and Sandy also enjoyed traveling and making many lasting memories.
Family was his everything, and he considered the crowning achievement of his life was being a good dad to his children.
He is survived by his loving children, Phillip Ragusa, Jr. of Joliet, David (Linda) Ragusa of Joliet, the late Dean (Robin) Ragusa, Debra Ragusa of Plainfield, Diane Ragusa of Joliet, and Daniel (Jennifer) Ragusa of Plainfield; 22 adoring grandchildren, Phillip III (Monica), Terrence (Ashley), Keith (Amanda), Regina (Jean), Mica, Nicole (Edgar), Lily Jerome), Chloe, Jen, Sarah (Fernando), Stephanie (Timothy), Lacey, Trevor, Andrew (Haley), Taylor, Allyson, Cole, Michael Dean, Madison, Morgan, Mason, and Samantha; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra; his son, Dean; his parents; one sister, Mame Thomas; and three brothers, Joseph, Sam, and Frank Ragusa.
Visitation for Phillip Ragusa will be held Monday, April 13, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road (at Essington Road), Joliet, IL. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 14, 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. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
