Raffaele "George" Pugliese

Raffaele “George” Pugliese, 87, died peacefully on Easter Sunday of April 20, 2025 at his residence in Dunnellon, FL. He was born into this life on March 26, 1938 in Paterson, NJ and was the son to the late Antonio and Concetta (Procopio) Pugliese. After graduating from Paterson Technical High School where he took up electrical shop.  He and his brother John started working at Tony Mack’s Auto Clinic. This is where he met the love of his life, Chickie and they married in 1959.  In 1956, he enlisted with the United States National Guard . George wore many hats during his career while living in New Jersey, including being a Security Guard, Special Officer for Butler and Riverdale police station and President of the School Board.  He dedicated the majority of his time as a self employed contractor where he was successful.  Through his many accomplishments in business he was most proud of building 57 Decker Road, his families home.  He was well known for his love of Christmas and dedicated over 30 years as the town’s Santa Claus.  In 1994, George and his late wife, Josephine “Chickie” moved to Dunnellon from Butler, NJ.  As Dunnellon became their new home, George became active with the Advisory Board in Rainbow Lakes Estates. In 2024 on his 86th birthday, RLE dedicated the softball field at SeaCliff Community Park in his honor.  It is now called the George Pugliese Field.   In his leisure time, he enjoyed smoking his cigars, playing solitaire, and loved being outdoors.  Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Josephine “Chickie” Pugliese; his two brothers, Dominic and John Pugliese and his sister, Louise Cammisa.

Those left to cherish his memories are his two daughters, Christine Sciortino and Michelle Duncan (Barry); his four grandchildren, Kaitlyn Miller (David), Christian Sciortino (Jessica), B Duncan, Jr. (Hailey), and Brianna Sciortino; his great grandchildren, DJ and Jett Miller and Asher Duncan.

George’s family will be receiving relatives and friends on Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25 from 5-7 PM at Roberts Funeral Home in Dunnellon. On Saturday, April 26, there will be a final viewing from 9-10 AM at the funeral home. There will be a procession forming on Saturday at the funeral home following the final view to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dunnellon where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM. Following the Mass, there will be a procession forming to Fero Memorial Gardens for a committal service with military honors at 1pm.