Francesco Rasi

Bluefield, WV- Francesco (Pops) Rasi, 88, of Rt.4 Box 123, Bluefield, WV, passed away December 31, 2011 at the Loving Hands Assisted Living in Green Valley. Born January 13, 1923 in Montagnareale, Sicily, he was a son of the late Antonio and Francesca Buzzanta Rasi. He had been a lifelong resident of Brushfork for 52 years and was a lifelong member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was a coal miner having retired from Eastern Gas in Keystone, was a 33 year member of the UMWA, and had later worked with his son at Rasi’s Galaxy in Bluefield, VA for 21 years. He was a veteran of the US Army and served with the combat engineers serving in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon, and the European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon. He was a life member of the VFW 9690. He was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Burgess Rasi, a sister, Mary Oliver and a granddaughter, Marcie Rasi. Survivors include: 5 sons: Tony Rasi and wife Sandy of Bluefield, VA Frank Daniel Rasi of Bluefield, WV James Rasi and wife Alice of Bluefield Johnny Rasi and wife Eugenia of Bluefield, VA Jerry Rasi and wife Karen of War 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren Sisters: Lena Ramella of Beaver Dina Thelma Rasi of Bluefield, VA Brother: Dan Rasi and wife Nancy of Bluefield, WV Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bluefield with Father Paul Wharton officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell where military honors will be conducted by the Bluefield, Virginia Post 9690 of the VFW. Aaron Rasi, Joseph Rasi, Justin Rasi, Frankie Rasi, Shawn Rasi, Jason Farmer and Tom Lovell will serve as pallbearers. Cameron Rasi, Chad Franklin, Josh Husband, and R.J. Bourne will serve as honorary pallbearers. Friends may call on Monday from 6-8 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell where a Christian wake service will be held at 7:00 PM. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Pantry, 1003 Wyoming Street, Bluefield, WV 24701. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family.