A Mass of Christian Burial for 68-year old Charles Farruggia will be held Friday, Jan 5, at 10:00 at St Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Rapid City, SD, with Father Ed Witt, SJ, officiating.
Burial will be the following Tues, Jan 9, at St Joseph’s Cemetery in Cuny Table, SD
Visitation will be Thurs, Jan 4, from 5:00-6:00 at St Isaac Jogues Catholic Church with Rosary and evening services starting at 6:00
Online condolences may be left at siouxfuneralhome.com
Charles Louis Farruggia (Chuck) was born on October 17, 1955 at Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City, SD to Calogero Farruggia and Valeria (McGaa) Vifquain. Charles passed away December 21, 2023 at his home in Pine Ridge, SD.
Chuck spent his life, living to the fullest. He always loved music, performing and traveling. He married Monica Beshara Best and had 2 sons, Tony and Steven. Chuck always said those boys were his blessing from God.
He later married concert pianist Kathryn Mientka and they traveled the world performing music together. Chuck loved traveling and performing with Kathryn, but in 2023 they settled in Pine Ridge, SD to be close to the family.
Psalm 73.26 “ My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”. Matthew 5.4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
Chuck was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be dearly missed.
Charles is survived by his wife Kathryn Mientka Farruggia of Pine Ridge, SD; children Charles “Tony” Anthony (Chrissy) Farruggia and Stephen (Bridgette) Farruggia and their mother, Monica Beshara Best; grandchildren Kennedy and Sicily Farruggia; his mother Valeria LouElla Vifquain; his brothers and sisters Stephen (Sheila) Farruggia, Lorna (Richard) Graham, Elmer “Rusty” (Brenda) Vifquain, Valora (Ronald) Beshara, Therese (Jeff) Fuestenau, Jerry (Audra) Vifquain, Lorelei “Lolli” Ball, Ann (Ray) Harms, Angeli (Scott) Totten, Mary “Kati” (Matt) Skinner, Gena McFarland (Jason Heikkenin), Aaron (Mykel) Vifquain, and Jesse (Terrilyn) Vifquain; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and very special friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his father Charles (Calogero) Farruggia; his stepfather Jerry Vifquain; baby sister Mary Farruggia; maternal grandparents Louis and Hester (Cuny) McGaa; paternal grandparents Calogero and Francesca (Salamone) Farruggia; and numerous aunts & uncles.
Thank you for celebrating his wonderful life, as he is now with his family in heaven. Chuck will always be our beloved Son, Husband, Dad, Papa, Brother and Friend and will be missed dearly! God thank you for our time and memories!
A Charles Farruggia quote: “To guide and lead requires standing humbly in God’s light every minute of the day. It is a choice that cannot be made in the company of fear, but rather in the beauty of joy.”
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD