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Robert Ragen Obituary
Electronics Pioneer
Resident of Hayward
Robert (Bob) Appleby Ragen died surrounded by family Friday July 20, 2012, three days short of his 84th birthday. He is survived by wife of 60 years, high school sweetheart Rosemary, daughter Debra Coffman, husband Tom, children Chelsea Kyle, daughter Pam McMackin, husband Don son Ken, and daughter Sue Ragen, husband Scott Muldavin, daughters Maureen Julia.
He was born in Oakland, graduated from UC Berkeley. After serving in the Air Force, he began a lifelong career as an electrical engineer where he became a pioneer in the burgeoning electronics field. Bob holds over 80 patents awarded during his work as Director of RD for Friden, and Singer and as Senior Project Engineer at Xerox. He retired from Xerox RD in 1990. He is responsible for the development of the first commercial electronic calculator, the Friden 130, which has been displayed at the Smithsonian. He loved family gatherings, water skiing and fixing stuff. To Bob his most important accomplishment was being a great Husband, Dad, Grampa and Father-in-law. He will be truly missed.
Viewing at Holy Angels Sorensen Chapel, 1140 B St., Hayward, Friday, July 27th, 5-8:30 PM, with Funeral Services following at 11 AM Saturday the 28th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eden Medical Center Foundation, Neuroscience Program, 20103 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley, 94546
Holy Angels Sorensen
510-581-1234 FD126
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ragen
6 Entries
Clinton Randy Giles
October 10, 2022
I never met Bob Ragen, but his contribution to the advancement of technology through the creation of the Friden 130 is incalculable. I wish I could learn more about Mr. Ragen to then tell his story to others as it is an amazing story to be told. May he rest in peace.
Ken Gruschow
July 29, 2012
Rest in Peace and my sympathy to your family! You had fantastic break-throughs in the electronic calculator world. Ex Friden service tech from the Manhattan, NYC office.
Rick Bensene
July 25, 2012
To all that knew Bob Ragen,
I grieve with you all in Bob's passing.
I never got to meet him, but know of him so much through his legacy in the world of electronics, most specifically his work in bringing electronic calculators to Friden. My heart goes out to his family and all that knew him, and pray that all will be soothed by the warm memories of their time with him.
Rick Bensene, Curator, The Old Calculator Museum
Lee Schelin
July 25, 2012
Rest in Peace Bob. And many blessings to the Ragen family. I worked on many Friden EC 130 and 132's while working for Friden in the 1960's. They were great machines
Don Sorrie
July 24, 2012
Deb - I am sending hugs for all of you via Pop. May you sense peace and comfort from your memories and family and extended family. Love, Don
Kerrin Sorrie
July 23, 2012
Dear Tom, Debi, Kyle and Chelsea,
Please know that David and I are thinking of you during this sad time. Feel free to call us if you need anything. Love, Kerrin
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