Dennis J. Lurgio, 82, of South Kingstown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at South Kingstown Nursing and Rehabilitation, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Margaret "Peg" (Mahoney) Lurgio. On October 1, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Born in Providence, Dennis was the son of the late John and Dorothy (Carmell) Lurgio. He earned his bachelor's degree from Bryant College and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era.

Dennis met Peg in 1960 at a CYO dance at Venice Hall. That evening marked the beginning of a love story that would span more than 66 years. Throughout nearly six decades of marriage, they were rarely apart. Their life together was defined by constancy, loyalty, and an enduring devotion that carried them through every joy, hardship, and season.

Dennis was a longtime owner of Office Emporium and Lurgio Imports. Whatever the endeavor, he brought determination, ingenuity, and a formidable work ethic. He made certain that his sons and grandchildren understood the importance of hard work, perseverance, and making the most of what they had.

One of Dennis's greatest passions was discovering and preserving his family's history. Long before genealogy could be explored with the click of a button, Dennis built his family tree the hard way, searching telephone books for the Lurgio name, writing letters, making long-distance calls, and reaching out to people across the United States and Italy. His search was about more than names and dates. It connected relatives across generations and across an ocean, turning family history into living relationships. He eventually gathered decades of research into a genealogy book, leaving future generations an enduring record of who they are and where they came from. He was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

That search eventually brought Dennis to Oliveto Citra, Italy, the birthplace of his grandfather, Vincenzo Lurgio. He first visited the village in 1999 and formed bonds with relatives and friends that would last for the rest of his life. His research also led him to the neighboring village of Colliano, where his grandmother, Filomena Vuocolo, was born. On July 5, 2014, the town of Oliveto Citra conferred honorary citizenship upon him. It was one of the proudest and most meaningful moments of his life. For Dennis, it was more than an honor; it was a homecoming. He carried Oliveto Citra, its people, and his Italian heritage in his heart always.

Dennis possessed the spirit of a fighter. He met adversity with grit, resilience, and an abiding refusal to give up. He could be tough and determined, but beneath it all, he was fiercely loyal to the people he loved. He was proud of his sons, treasured his grandchildren, and worked tirelessly to give his family both a secure future and a lasting connection to its past. They will remember his unmistakable personality, his strength, his resourcefulness, and the legacy he took such care to preserve.

In addition to his wife, Peg, Dennis is survived by his sons, Michael Lurgio (Jennifer) and Jonathan Lurgio (Luana). He is also survived by his four grandsons, Will, Jack, Adam, and Harrison. He was preceded in death by his sister, Carol McHale.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Pond View Unit at South Kingstown Nursing and Rehabilitation for the kindness, compassion, and dignity with which they cared for Dennis throughout his time there.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. in St. Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland Street, Narragansett. Dennis will then be laid to rest with military honors at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906, or online at https://www.alz.org/ri