Joseph George Farrugia

Joseph George Farrugia of Charleston, SC was called home to be with God on the evening of June 3, 2012. Born in Sliema, Malta on July 18, 1935, Joe was a hard-working man, dedicated to raising his two beloved children after the death of his wife Joan at age 42. A widower since age 39, Joe devoted himself to his son and daughter. He was known to so many as a dear, sweet man and loving friend. Never a bad word to say about anyone, he always took the time to say hello to a familiar face and share a smile with everyone; often befriending the homeless or lonely.

Leaving Malta when he was 18, he immigrated to Windsor, Ontario, Canada. After a visit home to Malta, returning via Naples, he met Josette (Joan). Often talking of how he met the woman he would marry, he would recall their anniversary of January 26, 1956 in the Bay of Naples.

After immigrating to America, he married Joan on April 19, 1958. In addition to becoming a Father, becoming a naturalized citizen in 1969 was one of his proudest moments.

Finding a career in the supermarket industry while in Canada, he fondly recalled a conversation he had with the man who gave him a chance at his first job. The conversation…"I have a job for you. It's in the local grocery store. It's not glamorous but it's a good job. It is a steady job. You will have benefits. And you will always work." And he always did. And he was always thankful.

Joe was happy going to work or taking a walk in his neighborhood or just talking over the fence to a neighbor. A kind and gentle soul, Joe was rich in the love of his friends and family. He didn't build a bridge or carve the side of a mountain, but there was nothing "average" about this Joe.

He is survived by a son, Joseph, and a daughter, Marie. He is also survived by his sisters (Lina, Elizabeth, Stella, Ines, and Yvonne) and brothers (Anthony, John, and Paul) in Malta, the United States, and Australia.

The relatives and friends of Mr. Farrugia are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Theresa Drive, Charleston, SC, on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. Prayers of Final Commendation will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at J. HENRY STUHR, INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, June 6, 2012 between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m.