Santo L. Ruggero

Santo L. Ruggero, M.D., 91, Wonder Lake, died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, in McHenry.

He was born Jan. 24, 1923, to Lucio and Maria (Cutaia) Ruggero in Chicago.

On Jan. 4, 1947, he married Mary A. Kiss at St. Sylvester Catholic Church in Chicago.

He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He attended Loyola University, the University of Chicago and the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola. He interned at Cook County Hospital and practiced family medicine in Chicago. In 1950 he began his family practice in Wonder Lake, continuing to serve the community until 1991. He was an active staff member at Memorial Hospital for McHenry County from 1950 until 1991 where he was chief of staff for seven years. He co-founded the McHenry County Board of Health and was a member since 1966. He co-founded the McHenry County Pioneer Center for disabled children in 1959, the McHenry County Mental Health Association in 1960, the McHenry County Head Start program in the 1950s and Special Education District of McHenry County in 1969.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Chamber of Commerce of Wonder Lake, and he was an active lector at Christ the King Church,  Wonder Lake, and served his church in numerous ways. He travelled on many mission trips and donated his time and resources to many organizations and educational institutions.

Survivors include 10 children, Louise (Steven) Krater, Nancy (Al Tracy) Ruggero, James (Valerie) Ruggero, Robert (Terese Lohmeier) Ruggero, Thomas (Linda Brady) Ruggero, Cynthia (Jan Stahl) Ruggero, William Ruggero, Therese (Bruce Vieheller) Ruggero, Margaret Ruggero and Lydia (BJ Neff) Ruggero; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, Carmella (Jack) McIntire.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife July 13, 2013; and a sister, Elaine Allen.

Visitation was Jan. 10 at Colonial Funeral Home, McHenry. The funeral Mass was Jan. 11 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Wonder Lake. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Stritch School of Medicine Scholarship, www.stritch.luc.edu.