Ben Ragusa, whose unparalleled work ethic and unwavering dedication to his craft marked a professional career that spanned seven decades, passed away Dec. 19 at the age of 82.
Mr. Ragusa served as CEO of Applied Business Concepts (ABC) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the company he founded with son Jeff and longtime industry friend Ed Doyle in 1996. He was semi-retired at the time of his passing, consulting with his son on business matters.
According to Jeff Ragusa, his father incorporated the wisdom shared with him by a number of industry legends, including Hicks Lanier and Gene Milner. The basics, however, were imparted by Mr. Ragusa’s father, Ben Sr.
“His father taught him strong discipline, uncompromising integrity, total family commitment, and an unparalleled work ethic,” Jeff Ragusa said. “Ben has been an inspiration to me and countless others over his 82 years.”
Mr. Ragusa left high school to join the Navy and earned his diploma while at sea. His ship was among those that participated in the blockade of Cuba during the Missile Crisis, spending months at sea.
Upon returning, Mr. Ragusa operated his own grocery store and got married, but professionally he wanted to land a job in sales. Although IBM and Xerox were interested in his services and offered to pay college tuition to send him to school, he had a young family to support and passed on the opportunities. Debuting in copier sales for Lanier in 1967, Mr. Ragusa’s 10-year journey there saw him advance to the position of executive vice president of worldwide sales, ranking third in the organization for volume.
In 1988, he founded the first of two dealerships, OMNI Business Products, alongside George DeBenedetto. Six years later, Mr. Ragusa sold the Atlanta-based firm to Toshiba. The Ragusas, with Doyle in tow, launched ABC in Baton Rouge and New Orleans in 1996, and the company continues to grow with the addition of an office in Lafayette. The third generation of Ragusas—twins Madeline and Elizabeth—now work for the company.
Mr. Ragusa loved to support worthwhile causes including Cure SMA, Tunnel to Towers, Folds of Honor, Wounded Warrior Project, Samaritan’s Purse, St. Jude Hospital and The Cannata Gala, in addition to local charities, churches and schools.
He is survived by a brother, Phillip, and a sister, Jeanie; children Jeff and Stephanie Ragusa Charpentier; and grandchildren Madeline, Elizabeth, Jeffrey Jr., Patricia and Megan. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Thomas Ragusa, the same woman he vowed to marry following their first, blind date.
