Joe Ra, the former Town of Hempstead attorney and councilman, died of COVID-19 on Nov. 30.
Ra worked in the Hempstead Town government for nearly 40 years, under five different supervisors, and is remembered as a major figure in town government and in the Republican Party of Franklin Square.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Ra later moved to Franklin Square in 1970, establishing a private law firm after earning both a bachelors and J.D. degree from St. Johns University. He married his wife, Joanne, and the couple raised their children, triplets, in Franklin Square.
Ra is survived by his son Edward, a New York State assemblyman, his companion Madeline Presta, his son Joseph, his daughter Jillian of Franklin Square and his 4 grandsons. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joanne.
A wake is planned for Friday, Dec. 3 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and later 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Franklin Funeral Home in Franklin Square. A funeral mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 4 at St. Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Church in Franklin Square.