James D. Ruggiero

Newburgh - James D. Ruggiero died peacefully Saturday, October 20, 2007, at Castle Point VA Hospital, having received stellar care from a remarkable, dedicated staff.

The son of Joseph and Angelina DeSantis Ruggiero, James was born in the family home on Mill Street, Newburgh, N.Y., February 10, 1913.

James attended Newburgh schools and graduated from Mechanics Institute, N.Y.C., in 1951.

His first job was that of water-boy when Mt. St. Mary Academy was being built. He became a master mason, was the Business Agent for the Newburgh Bricklayers-Masons Union, Local #5, was an instructor for apprentice masons and headed his own construction company. Some of his masonry work included the Laundry and Indoor Firing Range at West Point, all the foundations for the Capehart Houses at Stewart Field, and the Uris Building in Rockland County.

While a member of the Orange Lake Fire Department, his daughter, Jeannine was stricken with polio. He was so touched by an offer of assistance from the March of Dimes, that he began and was chairman of the Annual Apple Sale as a fund raiser for that organization. Until his death, James was the oldest living member of the Orange Lake Fire Dept.

James was always a generous man who taught his children charity by example. He installed heat in the Our Lady of the Lake Chapel so that it could be used year round. He paid for the material and volunteered all the labor to build the Town of Newburgh Ambulance Corps Building, and was the first one to offer help to whomever needed it.

James retired at 62 and began a second career as a horse breeder and trainer, fulfilling a lifelong passion. His most successful trotter was Big Jim R, who he helped deliver and then train. Big Jim R raced in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Always able to sketch, James began oil painting in his last five years and enjoyed this creative phase of life.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Gillespie, of 70 years; his daughters, Janice and Jeannine; his son, Joseph; six grandsons: James and wife, Susan; Paul and friend, Allison; Joseph and Frank Ruggiero; Andrew and wife, Sara; and Matthew Rogers; two great-grandsons, Paul and Jack Rogers; and great-granddaughter, Jessica Ruggiero. James is also survived by his sisters, Theresa Lynn and Louise Inzerra. He was predeceased by his sisters, Jean Montfort, Marguerite DiChiaro, Ramona Ruggiero and brothers: Frank, Michael, Albert, Joseph and Rudolf.

The family wishes to thank the entire nursing staff at Castle Point for their outstanding care and tremendous support during the last six months.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., today, Tuesday, October 23, at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh, NY 12550.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 24, at Our Lady of the Lake, Newburgh. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick's Soup Kitchen c/o St. Patrick's Church, Grand Street, Newburgh, NY 12550.

To send a personal condolence or for directions to the funeral home, please visit BrooksFH.com or call 845-561-8300.