Santo Thomas Ruggieri, MD

Santo Thomas Ruggieri, M.D., 76, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 30, at Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson, N.Y. surrounded by his loving family.

Santo was born Aug. 20, 1936 to Antonio and Alfia (Sierna) Ruggieri in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was raised in a tenement on Pike Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, later moving to Canarsie, Brooklyn and Franklin Square.

He graduated from Sewanhaka High School in 1954 and proudly and honorably served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1957. Santo attended Adelphi University on the GI Bill and was a proud brother of Chi Sigma Fraternity.

In 1962 he met his beautiful bride, Virginia (nee Gallagher), while working at Kings County Medical Center and they were soon married. Santo and Virginia then moved to Rome where he attended medical school at the University of Rome. Santo finished his medical education at New York Medical College, and later served as a captain in the United States Public Health Service.

In 1973 Santo entered private practice in internal medicine in Miller Place, N.Y. serving the needs of thousands of patients over 30-plus years. He especially loved his work among the retired nuns and clergy in Port Jefferson and the surrounding community. In 1976, the family moved to Port Jefferson, N.Y. where they continued to live for the next 36 years. Santo often remarked that raising his family in Port Jefferson was one of the best decisions he ever made. His love for Port Jefferson, its residents and its natural beauty is unwavering.

In 1996 Santo retired to Fountain Hills to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren. During this time Santo was an avid golfer and prolific painter and writer, and enjoyed traveling around the country and trips overseas to his family’s native Italy and Sicily.

Santo came out of retirement in 2006 at the urging of his long-time friend and fraternity brother, Dr. Frank Lunati, to treat the local community at the LI Family Medical Group Practice in Saint James, N.Y. where he continued to practice until finally retiring in 2011.

Santo was a fiercely loyal and devoted friend to many. He was also an accomplished artist with over 400 paintings – many receiving recognition in juried competition. He loved to write poetry, short stories and heartfelt letters to his children that always hit home.

Santo was a lifelong student of everything. A voracious reader and lover of independent films, he never stopped challenging himself. He cherished his time with family, and taught them all to live life to the fullest with compassion, love and independence. Santo embodied the Golden Rule – to always treat others as you would want to be treated.

Santo is survived by his loving wife, Virginia; daughters, Susan (Craig) Stein, Lisa (Richard) Marrone; sons, Antonio (Gerri Ann), Luke (Lauren) and Justin (Amy); 15 grandchildren, Stephanie, Rose, Ben, Madeline, Sierra, Gabe, Julia, Catherine, Michael, Luke, Liam, Logan, Audrey, Ava and Joseph; brother, Salvatore, and over 65 nieces and nephews. Santo is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved brother in law and sisters in law.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 4, at Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church, Port Jefferson, N.Y. with Father Francis (Frank) Pizzarelli officiating. Burial followed at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Port Jefferson.

Donations will be appreciated in the name of Santo T. Ruggieri at Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson, N.Y.