Covering expenses surrounding the loss of Raul

Dear Friends and Kind Hearts,

This GoFundMe was created by the grandchildren of Raul Gragasin, whom we affectionately call Papa. It is with a heavy heart that we reach out to you during this challenging time. We've recently experienced the devastating loss of our beloved Papa, a man who has been the foundation of our family since he left the Philippines at the young age of 26 and arrived in the States in 1965.

On Friday, July 7, 2023, Papa passed away quietly in his home in Maryland. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, daughter, three grandchildren, their partners, and one great-grandchild. Before his passing, Papa spent each morning having breakfast with Lourdes at their kitchen table. Papa's seat faced their refrigerator covered with family photos. Sipping on his coffee and pan de sal, he often reminisced of his young life and gazed proudly upon the family he created with Lourdes.

We humbly ask for your support through this GoFundMe campaign to help us raise funds towards funeral expenses, final medical bills, and secure housing for his widow Lourdes and daughter Didy (both of whom had been his primary caregivers for the final years of his life). No contribution is too small and is deeply appreciated during these trying times. If unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing this page.

With love and appreciation,

Raul’s Grandchildren

If you would like to learn more about the beautiful and humble life of Raul, please read below:

It was only a handful of years after graduating from the University of the East in Manila, Philippines when Raul married Lourdes on October 2, 1960. Their daughter (Didy) born a few years later became their pride and joy. Encouraged by his father to build a better life for him and his new family, Papa left the Philippines at age 27 for the United States. He arrived July 4, 1966. With the support of his siblings and their families in the States, he was offered a place to lay his head until he found a home of his own.

Papa found work as a draughtsman at an engineering firm in Baltimore, Maryland. Despite facing discrimination in Baltimore during the civil rights era, Papa was able to overcome and persevere thanks to his strong character and remarkable way with people. On his bus rides to the city, Papa cleverly deescalated racist remarks and stares of other riders. He remained laser-focused on building a life in this new country for his family to come home to.

In 1967, Papa was reunited with his wife and daughter. Together, they lived in the homes of different family members until their first apartment in Riverdale, Maryland. These early years were some of their best as they embraced a barkada of family and chosen family comprised of kababayan.

Fast forward a few decades, Papa and Lourdes purchased the single-family house where they would welcome their three grandchildren, creating their multi-generational American dream. The refrigerator door adorned with treasured family photos showcased their love and pride for their growing family. Papa always took immense pride in the futures he helped create for his loved ones, knowing that their successes were a testament to his hard work and dedication. Financial security for his family was of utmost importance to him, allowing them to thrive in a loving and stable environment. In 2017, their beloved great-grandchild was born, beginning the fourth generation of the family and further solidifying Papa's legacy of love, support, and unwavering dedication to his family.

We miss you so much, Papa. We miss your dad jokes, karaoke skills, and unsolicited and extremely detailed weather updates. We know your parents and brother Joe have welcomed you with love.

Mahal na mahal,

Mga Apo