Joey S. "Joey Powers" Ruggiero

Joseph S. “Joey Powers” Ruggiero, 82 of Washington died Friday-January 20, 2017 in the Washington Hospital.  He was born December 7, 1934 in Washington Pa. the 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 United States 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 # 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 New Jersey.  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 New Jersey.  Mr. Rugierro then began working as a missionary for the 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 Steeler fan.

He is survived by a son; J. Michael (Kathie) Ruggiero of New Jersey, two daughters; Jennifer Peterson of Florida and Amy E. Ruggiero of Florida, two grandchildren; Jonathan Ruggiero and Hanna Peterson, a niece; Beth Dunn, three nephews; Richard, Thomas and Dan Nash.

In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by 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 the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc, Wilson at East Katherine Ave. Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Supervisor/Director, Susan Falvo Warco, Director, S. Timothy Warco II, Director.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com