Robert (Bob) Ragen
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