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Joseph Ruggiero Obituary
He was born December 7, 1934, in Washington, a son of the late Thomas J. and Sylvia J. Marsh Ruggiero.
Mr. Ruggiero graduated from Washington High School and received a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University, where he was a member of the varsity wrestling team. He served in the U.S. Army.
Mr. Ruggiero worked as a television producer at NBC Studios in New York City before beginning his career as a recording artist. His song, "Midnight Mary," was No. 3 on the Billboard charts in 1964 and became a gold record. He then established himself as a music producer starting up "Grand Slam Studios" in West Orange, N.J. Mr. Ruggiero won a Dove Award for producing the band White Cross's album, "Triumphant Return," in 1989.
After his recording career, he planted the church Bayshore Gospel in Keyport, N.J. Mr. Ruggierro then began missionary work for Assemblies of God in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he began building a world-class recording studio and working with several orphanages. He loved to hunt and enjoyed Bible study groups. Mr. Ruggiero was also a faithful Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Surviving are a son, J. Michael (Kathie) Ruggiero of New Jersey; two daughters, Jennifer Peterson and Amy E. Ruggiero, both of Florida; two grandchildren, Jonathan Ruggiero and Hanna Peterson; a niece, Beth Dunn; and three nephews, Richard, Thomas and Dan Nash.
Deceased, in addition to his mother and father, is a sister, Phyllis Nash.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and time to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Wilson at East Katherine avenues, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor/director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director.
Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Ruggiero
Jozeph and I
Sergei Lednev
January 17, 2021
I still remember you, Joseph. This year I started building a recording studio, and I remember that you also told me to do it. Separation will not last forever and we will meet with the Lord in heaven!
Sergei Lednev
January 17, 2020
Joseph is always in my heart. To me, he, as if still on earth, somewhere in Pennsylvania. I am very sorry that when I was in Pennsylvania in 2016, I could not find him, because I did not have an address or a telephone. I worked with Joseph for 6 years in a Christian studio in St. Petersburg, Russia. When he left Russia forever, Joseph told me that I should build a recording studio for Christians. I took his words to my heart. And this was in tune with the vocation that God called me to be a support for Christian singers and musicians and to help them professionally record songs. For many years I saved up money and bought professional sound equipment, and finally next summer I will start repairing the rooms where the studio will be. I know that Joseph is now with Jesus and he is very happy! Thanks to everyone who remembers Joseph
Ginny Mendes
February 11, 2017
To Mike, Kathie, and other family members my sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad. As you know, he and I started a single parents group at First Assembly of God in Shrewsbury, NJ, and then I helped a bit with the Bayshore work. He was always moving forward in the work of the Lord, and my own spiritual life greatly benefited from my association with him. Love to the family....Ginny Mendes
Wesley Kenyon
February 1, 2017
Our prayers and sympathy are with the family. So thankful for his service for our country and our Lord. May his work continue to go forth and multiply as he has now answered a higher calling. Pastor Wes Kenyon, Wyckoff, NJ
The picture was taken in our appartement in St Petersburg, Russia, at Thanksgiving, 200
Eric Muzart
January 30, 2017
Joe was colleague and friend, we lived and worked at the same time in St Petersburg, Russia. _ Until we meet again in heaven, farewell dear friend. _ "And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, "Write, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!'" "Yes," says the Spirit, "so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them." _
Revelation 14:13
David Potts
January 28, 2017
I became friends with Joey in 1965 at a club in New Lebanon, NY called the Show Boat where his band the "New Dimension" played nightly to a packed house for 2-4 week long engagements. Joey & the bass player Paul Gillingham would often come to my house occasionally for my Mother's home-cooking. She always enjoyed their company. After a couple years the band broke up and I lost touch with Joey. I tried for years to reconnect with my old friend and finally received just one email from him some 40-years later explaining about his new life and wishing me and other old friends in my area a good life. This postcard picture has hung in my computer room all these years. My search has ended, R.I.P my old friend... Potsy
John Wilson
January 27, 2017
Joe was a fantastic guy. He carted our family to church and dinner in Springfield when we became missionaries. I stayed in his place in St. Pete. Russia with my son as we launched Royal Rangers International Eurasia. Great stories! Till we gather on That Day with you Joe, we'll miss you. Blessings and prayers to the family members.
Sergio
Sergio Lednev
January 27, 2017
Joey, I am very sorry that I could not see you last summer. But I know, dear brother, that you are now, where our Lord Jesus, and you rejoice with Max. I remember the words that you told me that I need to build a recording studio. I will do it. You are always in my heart. I offer my warmest condolences to all relatives
January 26, 2017
We were honored to have him on our missions team. I like visiting with him and seeing his passion in everything he did. He was a good friend. Terence Hall, Walla Walla, WA.
Joanna Douglas (Wilcox)
January 25, 2017
I was so sad to hear this news. I have so many memories at Joey's house, watching "The Champ", & playing with his pinball machines with my brother & sister. He was a pretty awesome guy who was like family to us for a long time. Michael, I hope you remember me & I pray that you & your sisters have peace.
John Olsen
January 25, 2017
Many fond memories of hunting and playing music. A great man of God. He will be sorely missed. Deepest sympathies.
Diane Gradone
January 25, 2017
To Mike, Kathie, Jonathan, and other family members of Joey: We are so sorry for your loss, but rejoice with you that he is with the Lord! We have many fond memories of Joey during the years he attended First Assembly of God in Shrewsbury, NJ. I still remember his teaching a Sunday School lesson about God's wonderful creation of woodpeckers! Nick and Joey hit it off right away. We missed him when he left Shrewsbury but knew he was following the Lord's will for his life. He certainly accomplished a lot. We look forward to seeing him again! May God bless you and comfort you all.
Tommy Zito
January 23, 2017
My condolences to the entire family...Joey helped my band MAGNUM in the production of our album at Grand Slam Studios and we would talk for hours regarding Joey Powers "Flowers" and other bands he was involved in R.I.P. Joey...Tommy Zito,keyboard and lead singer of Magnum
Jim Southern
January 23, 2017
Thanks Joey. I still have the 45 of "Midnight Mary", a souvenir of my Disc Jockey days. You lived a very impressive life, God bless you for that.
Rebecca Drummond
January 23, 2017
To: Michael, your sisters and other family members.
Donn & I will miss Joey. He was an active and happy member of our Sunday School class.
I will always remember cousin Joey sitting on the back of a pickup truck serenading all our neighbors when he was around 13 years old. He always had a nice voice and on those hot summer nights it was a real treat to hear him singing. They lived right next door to us at the time. His dad, Tom, was my mother's first cousin.
It is comforting knowing he is with the Lord.
Love,
Becky
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