Obituary of Santo Ruggiero

Santo P " Sam " Ruggiero, Jr., age 82, of Poughkeepsie, died Sunday, January 19, 2014 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. Sam was born December 14, 1931 in Poughkeepsie, NY. He is the son of the late Santo P. and the late Marianna (Breschia) Ruggiero Sr.. He married Greta Carlson on July 14, 1957 in Pleasant Valley, New York. He served in the United States Army. Sam was the Co Owner with his brother John of Ruggiero's Florist in Poughkeepsie, New York. Sam was a local resident all his life, he was a member of the Italian Center and the local florist association. Sam was a kind and gentle soul, he worshiped his grandchildren and always had a smile on his face. Sam also volunteered at Vassar Hospital in Poughkeepsie and was a avid sports fan. He is survived by his wife: Greta(Carlson) Ruggiero of Poughkeepsie, NY ; daughter and son in-law, Doreen and Steven Waite of Poughkeepsie, NY; daughter and son in-law, Lisa and Paul Haering of Pleasant Valley, NY; grandchildren Matthew and Michelle Hearing of Pleasant Valley, NY; sister Theresa Morgan of Wappingers Falls, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Sam was predeceased by his brother John Ruggiero. Graveside service will be held 11:00 am on Friday, January 24, 2014 at St. Peters Cemetery, Salt Point Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Vassar Brothers Medical Center, ER, South Circle Five and the ICU Unit for the great care and comfort they gave to Sam and his family. Local arrangements were handled by the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. If you would like to leave an online condolence or to light a memorial candle please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com