Fred Anthony Raco
December 19, 1938 - June 15, 2023

On June 15, 2023 Fred Anthony Raco passed away at the age of 84. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Fred was born on his family dairy ranch in Fresno, CA to Antonio and Victoria Raco. Fred was the youngest of eight siblings and grew up milking cows alongside his family.

Fred attended Malaga Elementary and was a graduate of Fowler High School, in Fowler, CA. Fred was an outstanding athlete. He participated in track and field, football, baseball, and basketball at Fowler High School, where he met and started dating his high school sweetheart Barbara their sophomore year. After graduating from Fowler High School 1956, Fred attended Fresno City College here he played football. He received junior college All-America honorable mention as a sophomore. He was later inducted into the FCC Football Wall of Fame, Ram Huddle Club. After his FCC career, Fred received a full scholarship to Fresno State University as a junior in 1958, he was an All-Coast and All-Conference end. He was very proud to be a part of their championship season in 1959 as an end and punter. Fred was voted to the Big All-Coast Second Team.

Fred and Barbara married in Las Vegas, NV in 1961 and shortly after Fred was drafted into the United States Army. While on active duty, he served as a military police officer at Fort Huachuca AZ. When Fred returned home, he worked on the Raco family dairy. During this time Fred and Barbara built their home on the ranch. They were married for 62 years and have two daughters, Lisa and Kristi.

Fred started his career in Real Estate in 1978, with Saylor Realty in Fresno, where he was awarded "Rookie Of The Year" that year. A few years later he obtained his Real Estate Brokers Licence and in 1984 he established Raco-Smith Realty Inc. He was a Real Estate Broker for over 40 years in the Central Valley.

Anyone who knew Fred knew of his love for the cowboy way of life. He was a true rancher, cowboy and horseman at heart. Fred enjoyed jackpotting and rodeoing with friends. He spent most of his life team roping, training horses, running horses on the track, and raising Texas Longhorn cattle. His most enjoyable times were spent with family and friends in the roping arena in his backyard.

Fred is survived by Barbara Raco, his wife of 62 years, daughter Lisa Padgett, husband Bill Padgett, daughter Kristi Raco, grandkids Alexis (Lexi) Padgett, Cole Padgett, and Cord Raco, several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Fred's life
Wednesday July 12th, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the CPDES Hall,
172 W. Jefferson Ave. Fresno, CA 93706.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you make a donation to the
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or charitable organization of your choice.