Ralph Edward Fugett

Ralph Edward Fugett, a devoted family man, talented craftsman, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at his home on July 26, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on August 28, 1946, in Joliet, Illinois, Ralph was the beloved son of the late Elvis and Agnes Fugett. He is now reunited with his parents and his siblings, Elvis Fugett Jr., Daniel Fugett, and Betty Fugett Scholtes, who predeceased him. Ralph's life was a testament to love, laughter, and dedication. He shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Cheryl (Haney) Fugett, whom he married on July 16, 1968. Together, they created a beautiful family, raising five children who were the pride and joy of Ralph's life. His legacy continues through Sandra (Robert) Croft of Chattanooga, TN, Paula Fugett of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Tina Rodriguez of Lake Park, FL, Scott (Linda) Fugett of Lake Port, FL, and Jennifer (Eric) Hertzig of Loxahatchee, FL. Ralph was a proud grandfather to Carl {Angelina}Rodriguez, Stephanie Hulsey, Tyler {Jaynie} Hart, Jeffrey {Dominique} Fugett, Tara {Daniel} Winston, Tessa {Rueben} Valdez, Trevor Petty, Kyle Rodriguez, Ryan Rodriguez, Kylie Rodriguez, Robert Mc Kim, Kaylee Rodriguez, and Adam McKim, and seven great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his sister Carol {Robert} Wiess of Streator, IL and his cousin and life long kindred spirit Donald Rapson of Streator,IL. Ralph attended Joliet High School and soon found his passion in the HVAC and appliance repair industry. His expertise in the field led him to a successful career, first in Illinois and later in Florida, where he moved in 1976. Even after his retirement in 2004 due to ill health, Ralph's work ethic and dedication remained evident in his personal projects and hobbies. In 2005, Ralph and Cheryl settled in Okeechobee, FL, where he embraced a quieter life, filled with gardening and the simple pleasures of nature. Ralph's garden became a haven, producing bountiful crops of tomatoes that he delighted in sharing with friends, family, and neighbors. His sarcastic wit and enjoyment of a good joke were constants in his life, bringing smiles to those around him, even in his final days. Ralph's kindness, humor, and love for his family left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. His private funeral service will honor his life and the impact he had on those he loved. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ralph's memory to the Alzheimer's Research Association, an organization close to his heart. Ralph Edward Fugett will be dearly missed but forever remembered by those who had the privilege to know him. His spirit lives on in the laughter, stories, and love shared by his family and friends.