Rickie Leon Grugnale

Rickie Leon Grugnale, 55 SACO -- Rickie Leon Grugnale, 55, of Saco, passed away Friday morning, at Mercy Hospital in Portland after a sudden illness. Rick was born Nov. 27, 1953, in Nashua, N.H., the second son of Nick and Beverly (Carr) Grugnale. He joined the United States Army in 1971 and attended Medical Specialist Training at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas before serving at Kirk Army Hospital, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. As a Medical Specialist, Rick worked in the Emergency Room and Medical Surgical Ward and assisted Kirk Army Hospital staff with the in processing of troops from Viet Nam. As a Viet Nam era veteran, Rick served as an E-5 Medical Specialist and Medical Corpsman in Baumholder, Germany, and received an honorable discharge for service in 1976. Subsequent to serving his country, Rick earned Associate Degrees in Accounting and Business Administration from Andover College and remained self-employed in the area of medical nursing care. He was also employed by Casa for over 20 years. Rick was known for his wry sense of humor, his unparalleled generosity, his tireless work ethic, and his commitment to family. He was a devoted father, brother, son, and friend. He loved auctions and antiques, as well as a love for animals and was known to keep a small menagerie at his rural home. He is survived by his son, Aaron; daughter-in-law, Christie; grandchildren, Chantel, AJ and Courtney Grugnale all of Sanford; his mother, Beverly Grautski; brother, Nick Grugnale, sisters, Tammy Anthony, Kelley Richards and Shelley McKay all of New Hampshire; as well as several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours for Rickie will be on Saturday, March 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale. Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: Friends of Casa P.O. Box 150 Westbrook, Maine 04098-0150 Rickie Leon Grugnale