Joseph M. Ruggiero Jr.

Joseph M. Ruggiero Jr. of Lake Worth, Fla., passed away Jan. 31 in Wellington, Fla.

Born and raised in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Joseph M. and Antonette (Plesh) Ruggiero.

Joe grew up in a large, loving family filled with many cherished Italian traditions, especially Sunday gatherings and holidays at the family homestead.

He was a graduate of Hazleton High School, Class of 1962. Upon graduation he served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He then worked in law enforcement and was proprietor of Ruggiero Auto Repair Garage.

Joe was a master mechanic and spent countless hours at his garage working on his customers cars. "The Garage" was a hangout where friends gathered, shared stories and learned from Joe's knowledge about autos.

Joe's attitude and personality was typical of the time he grew up, and he perfected the ability of being able to accomplish anything that he set out to do. He was also a craftsman in carpentry and home remodeling. He was an avid reader, sometimes reading a book a day.

The greatest joy to Joe was his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He shared 43 years of marriage with the love of his life, Carol. They built a wonderful life together raising their family.

His proudest moments were spending time with his favorite gal and granddaughter, Kat. She was the highlight of his days.

He stayed in touch and was a part of the lives of all his extended family and especially his nephews and nieces. He was known to have an unmatched sense of humor and brought a smile to everyone whose path he crossed.

In 2010, he retired and relocated to Lake Worth, Fla. During his years in Hazleton, he was a member of Most Precious Blood Church and was currently a member of St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church, Wellington.

To his and his family's greatest sorrow, he was preceded in death by his son, Joseph M. Ruggiero III, in 2009. He was also preceded by his parents; brothers, Michael Ruggiero and Gerald Ruggiero; and sister, Gloria Trofinoff.

Joe leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, the former Carol Bunchalk; his treasured daughter, Lisa Ruggiero; and the joy of his life, granddaughter, Katiana Ruggiero.

Also surviving are sisters, Angie Tracy and husband, Michael; Mary Ann Ruggiero; Annette Foose and husband, Larry; and Grace Johnson and husband, Greg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Private services were held Tuesday.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Most Precious Blood Church by the Rev. Neftali Feliz Sana. He also gave the final blessing at the Chapel in M.P.B Cemetery. Military Rites were accorded by American Legion Post 76 and 795 and the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves.

Donations in memory of Joe may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, or Palm Beach County Library-Green Acres Branch, 3750 Jog Road, Greenacres, FL 33467.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home Inc., 532 N. Vine St., Hazleton.

To leave a sympathy message, visit the funeral home website at www.conahanfu

neralhome.com.