Eddie Mekka, The Big Ragu on Laverne & Shirley, dies

WASHINGTON — Actor Eddie Mekka, best known for playing Carmine "The Big Ragu" Ragusa on the ABC sitcom "Laverne & Shirley," has died at the age of 69. 

His brother, Warren Mekjian, told TMZ that Mekka had recently been hospitalized for blood clots and could barely walk. A cause of death has not been announced. 

From 1976-1983, Mekka played Shirley Feeney's boyfriend on the "Happy Days" spinoff that starred Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams. His character would often break out into song on the show.

The veteran actor had dozens of TV and film credits, including appearances on "The Love Boat," "Fantasy Island," "Family Matters," "The Bold and the Beautiful," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and "The Young and the Restless."