Obituary of George Michael Rugila
George Michael Rugila was born on October 1, 1952 in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of three children born from the union of the late George and Joan (Urbanick) Rugila. George worked at Martin Shoe House for many years; while attending St. Mary’s Catholic Central and while earning his associate’s degree from Monroe County Community College.
George became a member of the Carpenter’s Union before going to work for Ford Motor Company. He supported his family as a Maintenance Supervisor in the Monroe Plant for more than thirty-one years, taking retirement in 2008.
George married the love of his life, the former Mary Jane Hill on December 30, 1992 in Toledo. From this union, a blended family of six children was formed. He received his spiritual nourishment through St. Charles Catholic Church in Newport, where he happily attended Mass with his mother.
George kept busy outside by being involved in a wide variety of hobbies. On any given day, George could be found fishing, hunting, attending functions at Canvas Back Gun Club where he served on the Board of Directors, mowing his yard for the second or third time that week, or golfing. Golf was one of his favorite pastimes; he was a prior member at all the area Golf Clubs and always looked forward to his annual four-day golf trip with his buddies to Roscommon.
George cherished spending time with family, he loved getting away to "Camp Getabucky" with his wife. He regularly enjoyed taking his grandchildren out for ice cream, George could not have been prouder of his children and grandchildren.
George Michael Rugila, age 64, of LaSalle passed away at 11:29pm on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at home. His passing was preceded by his father.
To cherish his memory, George leaves his beloved wife: Mary of LaSalle; children: Eric (Christine O’Leary) Rugila of Monroe, Stephanie (Joe Standridge) Rugila of LaSalle, Nick Rugila of Carleton, Andrew (Angela) Budzios of Newport, Kelly Trainor of Erie and Jennifer (Robert Lee) Budzios of Erie; mother: Joan Rugila of South Rockwood; sister: Susan (Scott) Matthews of Colorado; brother: Charles (Evelyn) Rugila of Florida; twelve grandchildren; and his canine companion: Buck.
Friends may gather from 10:00am until a Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 8033 North Dixie Highway in Newport with Father Anthony Camilleri officiating. Friends are invited to celebrate his life on Friday, July 14, 2017 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Canvas Back Gun Club; 3801 East Dunbar Road. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort inspiration, or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.