MA Native 'Laverne & Shirley' Actor Eddie Mekka Dies At 69

WORCESTER, MA — Eddie Mekka, a Worcester native best known for his role on “Laverne & Shirley,” died recently at age 69.

News of Mekka's Nov. 27 death came Thursday through his official Facebook page. The page did not say how Mekka died, just that he "passed away peacefully."

"Eddie passed away peacefully in his Newhall, Calif., home," the post said. "He was 69 years old. At this time, we do ask that all media inquiries be withheld during his family's time of grief and mourning. We welcome you to share your memories of Eddie and your condolences to his family on this fan page."

Mekka was born in Worcester in 1952 and began his show business career in the Worcester County Light Opera. He played Carmine “The Big Ragoo” Ragusa on "Laverne & Shirley," but also appeared in Broadway productions including "Grease" and "A Fiddler on the Roof."

He later appeared in films such as "A League of Their Own" and "Beaches." Recently, he had roles in TV shows like "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "Children's Hospital" on Adult Swim and "24."