Charles "Raz" James Ingrasci

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Charles James Ingrasci, known to many, fondly, as “Raz.” Raz passed peacefully on December 31, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born in 1948 in Racine, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Esther Ingrasci, Raz came of age in the post–war era. From an early age, he was drawn to questions of consciousness, the inner life, and what allows people to change. He often referred to himself as a seeker—a reflection of his humility and enduring curiosity.

Raz moved to California to attend the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 1969. Living in the Bay Area during a period of cultural and social transformation, he immersed himself in emerging ideas around psychology, spirituality, and personal responsibility. These interests remained a steady thread through his life.

During the 1970s, Raz became involved with Erhard Seminars Training (EST), contributing to a growing understanding that individuals could actively shape their inner world and take responsibility for their own growth. During this same period, he met Anne Elizabeth Lloyd - known as Liza - who would become his wife of 48 years and his partner in life and leadership.

Years later, Raz met Bob Hoffman, whose work and perspective on human patterns and change made a lasting impression on him. What began as a conversation grew into a partnership and a central chapter of Raz’s life’s work. The intention that animated this work was clear. As Bob Hoffman once said, “I wanted to help end the cycle of suffering passed from one generation to the next.”

That purpose resonated deeply with Raz. Alongside Liza, he stepped into leadership within the Hoffman Institute, helping guide and steward the Hoffman Process for more than 35 years. Drawing on his broader experience in transformational work, Raz strengthened the organization’s systems, reinforced the quality and accessibility of the Process, established the Hoffman Institute Foundation as a nonprofit organization, and served as President of Hoffman International, helping guide the work’s global coherence and continuity.

In addition to his leadership, Raz was a teacher of the Hoffman Process, personally guiding many through work they describe as life-changing, meeting people with presence, honesty, and care.

While this work mattered deeply to him, Raz remained clear that it did not define him fully. He often spoke of Hoffman as his life’s work, while emphasizing that his deepest fulfillment came from who he was as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Raz was known not only for his leadership, but for the way he met people. He had a steady presence and a capacity to sit with another person’s truth without judgment, inviting clarity and responsibility with care. He carried deep empathy and concern for others and for the world at large—an awareness that often found expression in spirited conversation and a lasting engagement with politics. He frequently reminded those around him that transformation is sustained by something inexhaustible. As he often said, “Love is a renewable resource.”

Outside of his professional life, Raz was known for his love of exceptional food and wine, sports cars—particularly the Italian Alfa Romeo, and later German Porsche. He loved his connection to his Sicilian heritage and was a patron of the arts and culture. Those close to him valued his ability to hold a room with his sharp sense of humor which was always combined with hard-earned wisdom and deep spirituality. And of course, his unforgettable toasts.

Raz lived in San Anselmo, Marin County, for 38 years, where he built a life rooted in family, friendships, and community.

In recent years, Raz was deeply committed to ensuring that the Hoffman Institute and Foundation would move into the future with strength, coherence, and integrity. Much of the stability and direction the organization holds today reflects his long-term thinking and care.

In his final year, Raz reflected openly on his life’s work and the questions that continued to guide him. He appeared on The Oprah Podcast to speak about the Hoffman Process and the work that had shaped so much of his adult life.

Raz’s influence continues in the lives of those he loved, the conversations he shaped, and the work he helped steward. He will be remembered for his clarity, presence, humor, empathy, and care.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Liza Ingrasci; their children, Marissa Ingrasci and Mike Ingrasci (and his wife Sara), his grandchildren, Leonardo James Ingrasci and Felix Charles Ingrasci (who share his namesake in their middle names); his sister, Sue (and her husband, Dave), and their children, Jenny and Steve; and his sister, Ingrid, and her children, Chris and Becca.

Those who wish to honor Raz’s life and legacy may do so by supporting the Hoffman Scholarship Fund, reflecting his long-held belief that this work should be available to all who seek it. Donations should be directed to: https://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/donate/

A Celebration of Life is has been planned by the family for March 14th at Bill and Adele Jonas Center in Novato from 1PM. It will be held in community with family, colleagues, and friends. The memorial will also be livestreamed. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

The family extends their sincere thanks to Blake Mycoskie, who photographed the cover portrait of Raz used for this memorial.