Joseph Angelo Ruisi

Joseph Angelo Ruisi, 82, of Little River died March 10, 2019, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 4, 1936, in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of Rose F. DiJohn Finnegan and the late Angelo Ruisi.

Joseph worked for Lutheran Brotherhood for 27 years. He was an editorial cartoonist. He was a deacon and worship leader at Risen Christ Lutheran Church and intern chaplain for McLeod Health System. He loved singing and playing guitar and was especially known for his amazing spaghetti sauce.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Cynthia A. Smith Ruisi; two sons, Joseph A. Ruisi II and Douglas Ruisi; three daughters, Debra C. Zaccagnino, Roberta Shafer and Jennifer Ruisi; two stepchildren, Ryan Speigle and Stacy Speigle; two brothers, Kenneth Ruisi and Bruce Ruisi; three sisters, Cyndi Wilisch, Sheila Watson and Teri Hamblen; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and special nieces Ashley Sousa and Kelly Tooker.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Angelo Ruisi and Ronnie Finnegan; and two sisters, Angela Ruisi and Cathy Guerin.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at Risen Christ Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Risen Christ Lutheran Church, 10595 Hwy 17 N. at Briarcliffe Acres, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29572 or Lower Cape Fear Hospice/Mercy Care, 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, N.C. 28422.

A guestbook is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com.

Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.