ALBANY – David C. Ragule, 69, of Albany, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 after a short illness. Dave was born in Albany, the son of the late Theodore Ragule and Helen Weinlein Ragule. He was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy and the Sage Junior College, and served in the Army National Guard for six years. Dave worked for G.E. for several years, and for over 30 years as a maintenance mechanic at Owens Corning in Delmar. Dave loved the outdoors, especially the Adirondacks, and enjoyed kayaking and cross-country skiing. He was an avid scuba diver and boater for many years. He enjoyed travel, and visited Italy, England, Ireland, Spain, and Portugal, as well as various Caribbean islands, Mexico, Canada, and many places in the U.S. including Alaska. He was a member and trustee of the New York State Divers Association, the Albany Aquanauts Scuba Club, and the Adirondack Hiking Club for many years. Dave was a gentle, kind and loving man who will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Dave is survived by his loving wife Maureen F. Kennedy-Ragule; his stepdaughter Meaghan Mariany (Jon); his grandchildren Dylan DiGiovanni, Jon DiGiovanni, and Cailyn Mariany; his brother Edward Ragule; his niece Amy Ragule; his brother in law Michael Kennedy; and by numerous cousins.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS) Diving, Inc., PO Box 2504, Beaufort NC 28516 or online at SudsDiving.org; or to the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl St., Albany, NY 12202. Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Monday morning at 8:30 a.m., and from there to the Parish of Mater Christi, Hurst Ave. & Hopewell St., Albany, at 9:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 3-7 p.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Click here to view Dave’s resting place in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY 12204.
Ray Tucker
June 5, 2019 at 6:13 pmMaureen, What a shock. When I saw him in February, he was looking forward to another dive season. It seamed like Dave was making progress after his battle with the cancer and surviving the surgeries. But I guess it was time for Dave to join Bob, Dick and Bill in that eternal dive. Know that Dave influenced many divers as an outstanding example of a great diver, friend and buddy. I know I met Dylan and Jon at Valcour Island dives several times. We shared some great stories around those camp fires.
My deepest sympathies, but Dave is now in a wonderful place and we remember the fun we had together.
Ray
Aunt Diann and Uncle Mike
June 6, 2019 at 2:04 amWe are so sorry for the loss of your stepdad. Please know we are praying that you and your family will experience God’s comfort in ways you can’t imagine.
With love,
Nickie Kross
June 6, 2019 at 2:56 amMaureen and family:
Words defy me when I heard the news of Dave’s passing. I share your heartbreak and grief. I was not aware of his illness but knowing Dave, he fought valiently. I’m certain.
My life is richer for having him in my world as a dear friend and mentor. Very early in my dive adventures he took me under his wing and fired up a passion for diving for which I am forever grateful. He taught me so much about diving each and every dive I was lucky enough to share with him.
Hold tightly to your memories and let them carry you through these rough waters.
Laura&Dennis McCormick
June 6, 2019 at 6:31 amWe are incredibly saddened by Dave’s passing. Our deepest condolences to the entire family, especially to our dearest friend Maureen. May he rest in peace, in the arms of the Lord and His angels. We love you,
Laura and Dennis McCormick
Tom Hedderman
June 6, 2019 at 7:20 amMaureen and family,
So sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers.
Vance Barr
June 6, 2019 at 7:32 amMy sincere condolences to Dave’s family, dive buddies and friends. A joyful man.
Bob Englert
June 6, 2019 at 8:55 amMaureen — I was shocked and saddened to learn the news of Dave’s passing. This is a huge loss to the Shelter Dinner group and the neighborhood.
Barbara Adams/Gail Dieter
June 6, 2019 at 10:48 amMaureen and family,
Gail and I were saddened to hear of Dave’s passing,may he rest in peace. Very sorry for your loss.
Bill Harrison
June 6, 2019 at 12:26 pmMaureen,
I am so sorry to learn of Dave’s passing. You and your family are in my prayers. I will surely miss his humor and spirit at our shelter pot luck dinners.
Bill Harrison
Tim and Susan Jennings
June 6, 2019 at 4:12 pmDear Maureen,
We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Dave’s passing. We didn’t know about his illness and I imagine that’s because Dave didn’t want his friends to worry about him. That’s just the kind of guy he was. He was a caring, sweet and gentle man and we will miss his smile, his sense of humor and his laugh. May your memories of happier times together with your family and friends bring you comfort and solace at this most difficult time.
With Deepest Condolences,
Tim and Susan Jennings
Jim Martley
June 6, 2019 at 4:50 pmI am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing…. I worked with him for 20+ years at Owens Corning and he was ALWAYS a good guy to work with. RIP Dave!!
Lisa Kissinger
June 6, 2019 at 7:26 pmMaureen and family,
I am so sad to hear about Dave’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your family at this very sad time. Dave was a generous man with a wonderful sense of humor and a great intrepid spirit. I enjoyed getting to know through the Shelter Dinner group. His spirit and love will live on through all of you.
Lisa Kissinger
George Johnson
June 6, 2019 at 10:12 pmMaureen,
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing – I had no idea of the seriousness of his condition and was looking forward to visiting him soon. I first met Dave at Rogers Rock (circa 1982) at which time I learned of the Albany Aquanauts Dive club and of NYSDA. After talking with him and slicing some tomatoes, I knew this was a group that I wanted to join.
As others have, I found him to be a great mentor and friend. He was always generous, friendly and accommodating to everyone. I have never known a nicer guy and will miss him greatly.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family,
George and Sandy Johnson
Matt Littman
June 7, 2019 at 5:39 amMaureen,
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Dave was one of the friendliest and most cheerful folks around.
Condolences,
Matt Littman
Patricia A. O'Shea
June 7, 2019 at 7:56 amOur thoughts and prayers are with Dave, you and your family Maureen. Love, Pat O’Shea
Patricia A. O'Shea
June 7, 2019 at 7:59 amOur thoughts and prayers are with Dave, Maureen and Family. love, pat
Ryan, Holly, Madelyn, Maisie and Tyler Standish
June 7, 2019 at 9:41 amMaureen, Meg and family,
We feel lucky to have known Dave. He was honestly one of the most thoughtful and pleasant people , always ready to greet you with a smile on his face. Whenever we would see him he always made us feel like we were doing a good job as parents and could directly empathize on the trials and tribulations with diabetes management for Tyler. He will be greatly missed. Our love goes out to you at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron Gecsedi
June 7, 2019 at 12:24 pmI first recall meeting Dave when I went on my first Albany Aquanauts dive trip to Bonaire in 2017. I had just taken up scuba diving and didn’t really know anyone else in the club (except for Jim Lagone). The group of us were flying out of Newark airport early in the morning, necessitating driving down to NJ the day before and staying overnight at an inexpensive travel hotel. Dave was kind enough to offer to let me travel with him and share a room for the evening. He even picked me up and dropped me off at my house. But I understand that that’s the kind of guy Dave was. Willing to help out and even make the new guy feel welcome. Thank you for that.
Lynn Scharoun
June 7, 2019 at 5:56 pmMaureen, I am so sorry to hear about David’s passing. I’m very glad we were able to get to see you both this past March. I’m pleased my Daughter and Grandchildren were able to meet Him.
Myles
June 8, 2019 at 7:56 pmDavid was a wonderful kind man!
I want to thank him for being such a great stepdad to my daughter Meaghan and a great step granfather to Dylan, Jon and Cailyn!
He will be deeply missed by all!
Much love to Maureen and family!
God Bless you all!
Myles
Sue Herlands
June 9, 2019 at 7:01 amMaureen, we read with deep sadness about David’s passing. We are so sorry for you and your family. It was great to travel together to Canada. We will keep you in our prayers. Sincerely , Sue Herlands and Diana Ramos
Sue Herlands
June 9, 2019 at 7:07 amDear Maureen , we were so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Our prayers and sympathy go out to you and your family. We enjoyed our travels together to Canada. Sue Herlands and Diana Ramos
John and Judy Grattidge
June 9, 2019 at 11:46 amMaureen and family
John and I send you our condolences at your sad loss. Dave was one of the first people we met when we both learned to dive. There are so many memories of him above and below the water. Thanks Dave for making this love of diving so memorable .
Jim Sevinsky
June 10, 2019 at 3:20 pmMaureen, Meaghan and family, You have my condolences on the sad loss of Dave. You enjoyed some very special time together and he is considered a model of kindness. I hope your best memories will carry you and the boys onward. Very best wishes.
Rita Papandrea
June 10, 2019 at 4:05 pmSo very sorry to hear this sad news. Always enjoyed taking to Dave when I was out on walks with my dogs.
Michael Taglione
June 10, 2019 at 4:41 pmMaureen and family,
Mike and I are saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. He was so welcoming to us as new neighbors 7 years ago. He offered us ladders and tools to help us out as we were getting started in our new home, always so helpful. I will miss seeing and talking with him as we both mowed our lawns. Thinking of you.
Michael Taglione and Mike Wagner
Rob Bievenue
June 12, 2019 at 11:46 amVery sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I worked with Dave at Owens Corning and saw him often at the hockey rink while he watched Jon play. What a great guy. He will be missed for sure. My wife only met Dave a couple times at the rink but she remembered him as such a nice man and very kind. My condolences to the family. Sincerely Rob Bievenue