Samuel Ferruggio III

Samuel S. Ferruggio III, BMC (USN Ret.), 69, passed away on February 25, 2018 at the McGraw Hospice Facility in Jacksonville, FL from cancer related to Agent Orange.

After graduating from Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, NJ he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served his country honorably from 1968 to 1972 and continued his Naval career in the Reserves for 20+ years. In September of 1973, Sam met his future wife, Nancy at college. Sam and Nancy were married in January 1974.

After graduating from Stockton State College in Absecon, NJ with a BA in History, Sam decided to pursue a different career in the medical field as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Sam was employed at Cape Regional Hospital in Cape May Court House, NJ and at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL where he retired in August 2015.

Sam enjoyed traveling to the Jersey Shore to visit with family and friends, and his many trips to Walt Disney World with his family. Even as his cancer was progressing, he enjoyed a dream vacation to Alaska with his wife, Nancy. Sam was a Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan. He was an original Jacksonville Jaguar season ticket holder and most loyal fan thru the years.

Sam is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nancy; daughter, Christine Ferruggio DeCastro (Walter LeLand DeCastro); grandson, Samuel Marc DeCastro; mother-in-law, Dorothy May Gibson, of Jacksonville, FL; first cousin, Anthony Ferruggio of Daytona Beach, FL; and first cousin, Michelle Allen of Ventnor, NJ.

The family would like to thank the nurses and support staff at the McGraw Center for Caring for their care and compassion. We would also like to thank Sam’s caregiver, Guylaine Robert, for her dedication to “Team Sam”.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the McGraw Center for Caring in Jacksonville, FL, or to Vietnam Veterans of America.

A private family service is planned. Friends and associates can join the family for a graveside service at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 1, 2018 in Jacksonville National Cemetery.