Anthony Ruggiero, Local Deli Owner, Dies

Head of the Harbor resident Anthony Ruggiero died Aug. 18 peacefully in his sleep. He was 67. 

Ruggiero was born in Brooklyn and honorable served in the U.S. Army from 1965-1967, according to an obituary published by Maloney Family Funeral Homes. He worked as a co-owner of Zan's Kosher Deli off Alexander Avenue in Lake Grove. 

Newsday reports that Ruggiero worked at the deli for over 30 years until his final days, despite undergoing two kidney transplants, being legally blind and using a wheelchair. 

Ruggiero and his brother, Pat, helped to feed 800 seniors a day through meal distribution programs in the Town of Smithtown, Town of Islip and the deli's Supper Club 60, according to Newsday. Ther brothers were also known for giving meals to the Red Cross during emergencies, such as the latest wildfires. 

Ruggiero is survived his wife Nilvia, "Nellie", of 46 years and his children Anthony (Maria) and Denise Ruggiero. He is also survived by his brother, Pat Ruggiero (Sharri) and grandchildren Anthony, Alessia and Nicholas. 

Visitation hours will be held at Maloney's Family Funeral Home in Hauppauge on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. A religious service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday. 

A funeral Mass will be held Thursday at St. James & Philips Roman Catholic Church in St. James with internment to follow at Greenwood Cemetary in Brooklyn.