Eddie Mekka, who most famously played Carmine, the “Big Ragu,” on “Laverne & Shirley” has died … TMZ has learned. Eddie’s brother, Warren Mekjian, tells TMZ … Eddie was found dead at his home in Newhall, CA on Saturday. We’re told friends and neighbors became concerned when they hadn’t heard from him in a few days and called cops to go over and check on him. Warren tells us Eddie had recently been hospitalized for blood clots and could barely walk … there’s no indication his death was suspicious or that there was any foul play involved. Eddie played Carmine Ragusa — Shirley’s boyfriend on the show from 1976-1983. Carmine would regularly sing on the show. Eddie also had a role on one of “Laverne & Shirley” producer Garry Marshall’s other shows, “Blansky’s Beauties” — and he’d been nominated for a Tony Award for his role in “The Lieutenant” … prior to his TV career taking off.