Ragus, Eugene A.

Fairport, NY: December 6, 2015. Gene Ragus, 85, of Fairport. N.Y. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Fayetteville, NY and earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Syracuse University.

Gene was a pioneer in the Syracuse television industry, beginning at WHEN in 1948 as one of the station’s first cameramen. He later directed the evening news and the much-loved Magic Toy Shop children’s program. He spent the last 21 years of his career at Xerox Corporation in the Department of Marketing Communications, Video Productions.

He served as an airman in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, stationed stateside in Newfoundland as a radar operator.

Gene was an avid golfer, enjoyed discussing politics, and loved watching the Syracuse Orangemen. His dry wit, keen eye and gentle heart made him a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He is predeceased by his loving wife of 47 years, Sharon (Herlihy), parents Delia and Anthony, brothers Bill and John Ragus and sister Helen Goss. He is survived by Pamela (John) Chapman and their children Courtney and Benjamin Eugene, Cynthia Ragus, Mark Ragus (Wendy) with children Mary, Ellen and John Ragus, and Reed and Marina Perestam, Deborah (Tom) Rudy and their children Luke, Allison and Brett and Sheila (Dan) Mason and their children Cameron and Anna and dedicated sister-in-law Donna Herlihy.

Calling hours are to be held at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home. Egypt Location, Route 31, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, N.Y. on Wednesday, December 9, from 4 to 7 P.M.

Funeral Mass will take place at 10 A.M. on Thursday, December 10, at St. John of Rochester Church in Fairport, N.Y. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.