Joseph Raggio

Joseph Raggio, 84, was born on November 18, 1939 in Cypress, Louisiana. He passed away at his home in Cypress on February 4, 2024. He was born to Malcolm Raggio and Victorean Morgan Raggio. He was married to Janie Byone on July 18, 1964. Together, they had three children, Peggy (Chris), Kerry (Carolina), and Alisa (Jason). Of these unions, there are six grandchildren – Joseph D. Raggio (Hannah), Mallory Moran, Lauren Raggio (Matthew), Bradley Moran (Chanel), Kayla Raggio, Amiya Washington, and Alyssa Haskett. He was also Paw Paw to four great grandchildren.

 Joseph, known to and loved by many as Joe, was a lifelong resident of Cypress who lived on the same dirt road his entire life. He drove a school bus for 32 years before his retirement, and for approximately 34 years, he proudly owned and operated Raggio’s Tire Service. Joe could always be found at his tire shop, six days a week, every week.   There, his generous spirit would often be on full display as he joyfully helped anyone who was in need, and he always did his best to make sure his customers were rolling out of the driveway again. He strongly believed in children getting an education. Joe proudly told his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the kids who rode his bus that his teachers warned him he would not make good grades if he continued to play in school. The next school year he made As and Bs. He showed them!

Joe was a math whiz who enjoyed being challenged by kids and their calculators. He could solve a math problem quicker than they could perform it on their machine, every time. Although he had a rough exterior, Joe had a fierce and unwavering love for people. He would often greet customers at his tire shop with a witty remark to make them laugh.  He particularly loved kids and pets. He could often be seen riding in his truck with his beloved dog, Max, who passed three years ago. Or more recently, sitting in his recliner with his dog, Diego.

 Joseph is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Orville Raggio (Wyonna), Shirley Louie (Vernell), Marjorie Sylvia (Franklin Jr.), James Raggio, Sr. (Celeste), Ronald Raggio (Shirley). He is survived by his sister, Patricia Balthazar (Andrew).

He will be dearly missed by his surviving family – his wife, three children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and a lifetime’s worth of patrons stopping by the shop to say “Hi”. His life and legacy have left an indelible mark on the people who were fortunate enough to spend time with him at any point during his beautiful and meaningful life.

 Visitation will be Friday, February 9, 2024 from 6:30-8:30PM with the rosary beginning at 7:50PM. Funeral service will be Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:00AM with Rev. William “Bill” Gearheard officiating. Both will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 2262 Hwy 484, Natchez, La 71456.