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Vinnie Ruggieri Obituary
Feb 21, 1950 - Aug 24, 2011
Vinnie was a larger than life, multi-talented and generous individual who was deeply committed to his family, friends and community. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he is survived by his son, Joel, his sister Stella and brother Michael, nieces Danielle, Gia, Alexa, Melanie, Michele, and Alliea, and nephews Nicholas and Anthony. He was predeceased by his mother Anna, his father Vincent and his brother Frank.
As CEO of Ruggieri Construction, Vinnie was an accomplished builder and highly regarded for his expertise and creative vision. He took great pride in the environments he built for The Help Group, a nonprofit organization, serving children with special needs. In an association that spanned more than 30 years, he received The Help Groups Corporate Philanthropy Award.
Vinnie was a dedicated member of the Boy Scouts of America for two decades. He held numerous leadership positions including Vice President of the Western Los Angeles County Council. He received many honors and awards in his scouting career including the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Vinnie shall always be remembered for his zest for life, remarkable abilities, and above all, his far-reaching acts of kindness and good will. He touched the lives of so many.
Memorial services will take place on Saturday September 3rd at noon at Forest Lawn, The Old North Church, Hollywood Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Boy Scouts of America ?? Western Los Angeles County Council 16525 Sherman Way, Unit C-8, Van Nuys, CA 91406 or The Help Group, 13130 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vinnie Ruggieri
Patton
January 26, 2025
Writing this 14 years late, but....VINNIE!
In the 1-2 years that you were my Scoutmaster, you did so much to support me on my path to Eagle, but I definitely did not fully appreciate it. 25 years after I saw you at my Court of Honor, I understand better what a gem you were.
No, let me change that to ARE. I rarely if ever heard you talk about your faith, but looking back, I didn't need to. Your love for your fellow man (and for bumbling, stumbling teenage boys) spoke louder than any words ever could. Who was Vinnie Ruggieri? He was a child of God.
[1Jo 4:7 KJV] 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
You now live in a house infinitely more beautiful than all the lovely houses you built in your highly successful career. Look forward to seeing you again and giving you a good back-slap.
Thank you for everything Vinnie,
Patton
Herve Derek Fortin
August 25, 2024
I continue to remember and think of Vinnie through out the year. He was a great Scouter and I always enjoyed his invitations to visit with him at his home.
AL PFLUGER
August 26, 2023
HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND. GROWING UP IN HIGH SCHOOL AND HAVING A LOT OF LAUGHS. SUNDAY MORNINGS HAVING CRUMB CAKES WITH HIS MOTHER. EVEN GOING TO FLORIDA AND STAYING WITH HIM FOR A MONTH IN LARGO BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE TO CALIFORNIA, GIVING HIS SOME CASH TO HELP HIS TRAVELS. I SURE MISS HIM
Herve Derek Fortin
August 25, 2023
Vinnie was truly a friend to all, and a brother to every other Scout.
Susan Myers
August 25, 2022
I was just thinking about Vinnie the other day, and all the joy he brought into the world. I am grateful that I got to know him, however briefly. God bless you, Vinnie.
Herve Derek Fortin
August 25, 2022
Vinnie
You have been in my thoughts and prayers this month as I recalled our Scouting association.
Stella
August 25, 2021
It's been 10 years since you have been gone Vinnie. I just can't believe all that time. I miss you everyday and I feel at times I can't go on without you. You always had solutions to every possible situation and unfortunately I don't. Life has been difficult without you but you know I will always go on and carry on as best I can. You left a lot behind but I am managing. I know you are proud of me and knowing you I can just hear what you are saying. LOL. I won't put that in here. I love you my Brother and until we are together again, I will continue to take care of everything.
Stella
August 25, 2020
Vinnie it has been nine years now since you have been gone and I miss you every day. Life is so different without you. I am keeping your legacy going, running your business, taking care of your pride and joy, Joel, and continue to carry on within myself. Now with our brother Mikey gone, I am the last of us and it is very lonely. You are all in heaven together. I hope everyone is watching over me and I know you all come to visit from time to time because I feel it and I dream a lot of everyone. Until we are all together, may God Bless you Vinnie and all our family.
JOSE QUEZADA ( SNYDER DIAMOND)
August 25, 2020
hi my name is Jose Quezada i work for the firm Snyder Diamond and Vinnie and I worked together when he remodel his entire interior kitchen and outdoor BBQ. Dont remember excatlywhen but i beleive it was early 1990's what was amazing about Vinnie, he was amazing i was new to this industry and he made me feel confortable and told me I was going to make the sale of the way. I still recall all his VIKING appliances he purchase purchase from me and outdoor BBQ. and he kept adding items. at closing of the sale he said. you see that wasn't hard was it.? I was so happy it was my first large sale he made me feel very happy. This customers and friends don't come by very often now days. Great guy,
May God have you in heaven to watch over us.
truly yours
JOSE QUEZADA
SNYDER DIAMOND
VAN NUYS
Al (Clam) Pfluger
August 26, 2012
Can't believe it has been a year since you passed. I have a picture of us in a case and looking at it now. We were arm in arm in front of the apartments. I reflect on how short life can be and friends that have passed earlier than expected. Stella wrote a beautiful note and yes, you were a remarkable person. Miss you. Clam
Stella Ruggieri-Marchant
August 25, 2012
Vinnie: I can't believe a year has gone by as of yesterday, August 24th, that you passed away. It seems like a couple of months to me. I know you are watching over Joel and me because I have to be getting my strength from you. I miss you with all my heart and every day I wish you were here. There is an emptiness inside me that will be there forever, and I try hard each and every day to make you proud and to do the things that I think you would want me to do. There are those times when I want to give up, but I know you would be so pissed at me, cause one thing you always taught me was Never Give Up. You told me once that because we grew up in poverty that we had to always make sure we Never Gave Up. You instilled that in me for so many years and that is the main reason why I always kept going no matter what life had in store for us. We have endured quite a few curves in the road, haven't we? I am thankful for all the time we were able to spend with one another. I can't imagine that many brothers and sisters were as fortunate as we were. We were always together growing up and getting through those tough times together and always making sure Mommy would be ok. That was 22 years we spent together. We always maintained a close relationship after you moved away, and when you kept bugging me for 10 years to move out to California, well......I finally gave in. We spent another 20 years together. I wouldn't trade one moment of those 42 years for anything in this world except to have you back with us. You were the best brother anyone could possibly ask for, and one of the best human beings I have ever had the pleasure to know and love. I am so proud of the person you were and for all you did. Your generosity, caring, kindness and your willingness to make a difference in so many aspects of life, touches my heart each and every day. You truly were One Of A Kind. You used to laugh at me when I would tell you that. You never wanted the recognition you received, and you should have been recognized for so much more that you did that nobody really knows. I know it was never about the recognition for you, and I am so thankful, proud, and honored to say that you were my brother. You were truly a remarkable individual and such a cut above the rest. There wasn't anything you couldn't do. I also see how so many people miss you. Your not being here has affected people in so many ways Vinnie and I see it on a daily basis. I don't want to mention names in here cause it's probably not right, but I want you to know that "B" is almost lost without you. You guys had such an amazing relationship. It makes me sad when I see "B" because the fact that you aren't here is so noticeable. Your Joel is hanging in there. He is a truly amazing kid Vinnie and you know I have and will always dedicate myself to him and make sure he grows into a fine adult, which he has. You would be so proud of all he has become in this past year. He grew into a man and has helped me so much after you passed. He misses you a lot and often tells me about a movie that he knows you would love to see and wishes you were here to go to the movies with him. That was your thing with him and he certainly feels it. I know you are probably saying to yourself right now........"Gee, is she ever going to shut up." I know you Vinnie, you always hated all the mushy stuff, but too bad. Your one year anniversary was yesterday August 24th, and I want you to know that I love you, I miss you, my heart aches every day since you have been gone, and one day we will all be together and I'm going to give you the biggest hug and kiss you ever had. Tell Mommy I love her. May God Bless you always Vinnie.
Art Bannick
August 23, 2012
Well, Vinnie, we've had a year to become accustomed to your leaving us too soon. One thing I know is that you will never actually leave, since you live on in every good thing you ever did and in every smile that brightens our faces when we think and speak of you! Thank you for the insight, humor and compassion that you showed throughout our friendship and I pray that you have some interesting project to keep you occupied.
Stella Marchant
February 23, 2012
Happy Birthday Vinnie. I wish you were here so we could celebrate another one of those great birthdays of yours. I miss you very much. I can feel that you are here with me because it has to be your strength that keeps me going day after day without you. You were such an amazing brother and an even more amazing human being. You just weren't supposed to leave Joel and me. I love you and may God Bless You Always. Your sister, Stella
Bernard Llanos
February 21, 2012
V,
I miss you, bud. I remember in ‘09 how apprehensive I was about allowing you to build my filing cabinet -- I was picky and really wanted to buy the metal kind. You knew how picky I was but you managed to talk me into letting you build me a wood-laminate kind. It was perfect, but still, I stubbornly considered replacing it with the metal one I initially wanted. I realize now that the cabinet is one of the coolest and most thoughtful gifts I have ever received. I really appreciate how you did that for me. I'll be keeping it for the rest of my life -- I know it was built to last even longer than that.
I'm so sorry I had to find out the way I did, when I did. I think about you all the time. I miss your humor. I miss your guiding wisdom. I miss your very kind heart and its contagious kindness -- a kindness that still lives and continues to pass on through the lives of those you touched. I miss you, bud. So much. I am very proud to have called you a friend. Happy Birthday.
B
Jose Quezada
January 13, 2012
'Vinnie" will be remembered. I worked with him when he was doing his entire kitchen and B.B.Q. at his house. As a matter a fact he was the first customer to buy a complete Viking package. I mean a complete 1 of each for his indoor kitchen and outdoor B.B.Q he was very, very nice gentleman and very respected person for the way he was. May God bless you and your family.
Sincerely: SNYDER DIAMOND FAMILY/Jose Quezada
Melanie Ruggiano-Gallo
January 4, 2012
Uncle Vinnie, you were the noblest man we've ever known. Thank you for the example you set and for touching so many lives. You will not be forgotten. Tony, Melanie, Gia, Nick and Alexa
Bob Frymire
October 12, 2011
Thanks for being such an inspiration to all of us, every single day Vinnie! Your message of devotion to our fellow man
will continue with all of us.
Love and Prayers to you and your family.
Bob & Nancy Frymire
Alfred Pfluger
October 10, 2011
Vinnie,
From growing up in Poughkeepsie, going to Florida and eventually California, we always managed to keep in touch, though not as frequently as we should have. I received alot of responses from our Arlington classmates to your passing and their condolences. I still have some of the letters you wrote me when you were going thru difficult times, but in the end you came out on top. To read the quest book you were an amazing person and I always knew that. You always kept friends close and family even closer. I am sorry I never had the chance to visit you in California, but glad I was able to see you at the last class reunion. You will be missed. Love you, Clam
Paul Oliver
October 4, 2011
Hey Goombah, It’s hard to explain the special way you made me feel trying to step into your unfillable shoes. I was scared to death, but I knew you would be there and that took away the fear. As busy a person as you were you always had time to mentor me in Scouting. That is something that always struck me that you had the ability to make everyone feel so important. I want to thank you for the time you so generously gave to me and every single person in Scouting who’s lives you touched. I’ve been missing you since I heard the news and I will be missing you until we meet again.
May the Great Master of all Scouts,
Be with us until we meet again,
Good Night Vinnie
Peg McGrew
October 4, 2011
Vinnie: It was a pleasure working with you. You did so much for scouts, the scouting program, and Camp Josepho, and I am sure much more that I don't even know about. Joel, our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time!!! Hugs from Las Colinas District.
Lucy Pineda
October 4, 2011
Vinnie, we will miss you greatly, however we know you are with our Lord up above. Your work is done down here but we all know you are still looking down making sure we don't forget a RT meeting, Woodbadge Event and/or anything that has to do with scouting. You left us a footprint in our hearts, wonderful memories and an enormous pride having known you. It has been a great pleasure and honor knowing you, serving in the scouts under you and just plain being your friend. I am greatful for all you did for us (John Michael and I) and I thank you for guiding him throuhgout his scouting years. We thank the Lord above for bringing you into our lives. Your work with the scouts, your generosity and dedication to the scouts has been a true blessing to all of us. We thank you and Salute you and please continue to guide us from up above. Thank you for making me take the Woodbadge Course, it has been one of my best scouting memories...Many Blessings to your family and all you loved ones. This is not a good bye but merely a see you later...til we meet again."Bob White" Lucy Pineda Troop 280
October 4, 2011
Vinnie ! The Scouts of WLACC owe you so much. Your vision for Camp Josepho is a Debt of Honor. One that will continue. You have my word Vinnie. All of you have my word. Let's get busy!
Jim Rushton. SE WLACC
October 4, 2011
Thank you for everything you did to advance the cause Scouting.
Happy Trails!!!
JR Lal
Cubmaster
Pack 246
October 4, 2011
Much, much too early, Vinnie. Your subtle, but enormous impact on Scouting has left a legacy in the WLACC & Balboa Oaks that will be remembered forever.
You left a lasting impression on those who were fortunate enough to get to know you. For me, that time came a few years ago when I was struggling to get a grip organizing a particular District function.
At a Roundtable, you pulled me aside to a small room, got in my face and Brooklyn to Brooklyn, told me how to get the job done in the very short time I had to do it.
You need to know that I've never forgotten that short, but memorable meeting.
You will be sorely missed, but we know your guiding us from where you are now.
Eliot Brown
Balboa Oaks - District Committee
Frank Casias
October 4, 2011
Vinnie, Although I/we will miss you, I know or believe you are with our Lord. You can live in that world, without pain. You are now with your
forefathers and are waiting for the rest of us. Like my brother, you had done what our Lord sent you to do and it was time for you to return 'home'. Rest in Peace Vinnie. Until we meet again.
Lisa Pennock
October 4, 2011
You are one of a kind Vinnie and I thank you for that. You touched everyone's lives in a special way and your memories will always be with us. Blessings to your family as you watch over them from above.
October 4, 2011
Dear Vinnie --
It was an honor having met and gotten to know you and be a part of your scouting adventure... You have done so much for the Scouting program, which had been my partner as a single mom in rearing my sons to be wonderful young men... You will certainly be missed! From ours... to yours... Thanks for the memories!
Yours in Scouting,
Jocelyn Reyes
Scoutmaster-Troop 513/Advisor-Crew 513
October 3, 2011
VINNIE thanks for being a friend and a mantor you were one of a kind !god bless my friend !!!!
Joe & rosalie da silva,camp josepho,pacific palisades,ca
Bryan Eget
October 2, 2011
So hard to believe that I will no longer hear "Catholic to Jew, over", or any of the other names he called me. Shockingly and so sudden Vinnie is gone leaving a big hole in my life. We spoke daily even when on vacation in Hawaii...this last time so ill but just kept downplaying it. The loving kindness and generousity to anyone in need made Vinnie a special person. We met through the Scouting program became best friends as we leveled up with our boys, the troop and with friends. My life has been better, richer and full of fun because we traveled together through life's highway. Vinnie, my friend, you will never be forgotten. Scouts will forever talk about you around their campfires, their trainings as we see all your contributions shining brightly at the Scout office, and the troops and Boy Scout Camps.
Orpha Eget
October 2, 2011
Vinnie, how could this have happened in this age of medical marvels...you are gone so suddenly. It was as if lightening struck and left us in shock cause you are no longer with us. My best memories are as you, Bryan and Jon went to our Girl Scout Silent Auction dressed in Boy Scout Uniform and proceeded to raise the price on every item...All my friends in Girl Scouts were so impressed with the generosity you guys exhibited, I proudly told them they are always like that...Vinnie especially. You are one of a kind...your life fullfilled the Scout Promise and Law. I remember how proudly you walked us through Josepho showing us all you built for the Camp so everyone would enjoy it. How sad you were when you could not finish what you started there...We will miss you always.
Bryan Eget
October 2, 2011
So hard to believe that I will no longer hear "Catholic to Jew, over", or any of the other names he called me. Shockingly and so sudden Vinnie is gone leaving a big hole in my life. We spoke daily even when on vacation in Hawaii...this last time so ill but just kept downplaying it. The loving kindness and generousity to anyone in need made Vinnie a special person. We met through the Scouting program became best friends as we leveled up with our boys, the troop and with friends. My life has been better, richer and full of fun because we traveled together through life's highway. Vinnie, my friend, you will never be forgotten. Scouts will forever talk about you around their campfires, their trainings as we see all your contributions shining brightly at the Scout office, and the troops and Boy Scout Camps.
September 30, 2011
Vinnie, you were my ET, with your "heart light" burning bright and I know you are still out there like a beacon in the darkness with your truth and tenderness looking over Joel and Stella. Thank you for your friendship, your selfless acts of human kindess and for the many years of laughter and joy. My heart is aching, but I will dwell on the smiling,the laughing, and the loving and keep you with me until we meet again.
Christine (Van Nuys, Ca)
Meredith
September 22, 2011
Vinnie certainly "paid it forward." The compassion and care shared with so many continues to inspire those whose lives he touched. May the light always shine brightly for his beloved family.
S
September 21, 2011
Thank you for everything you did, you left behind a great legacy... sorry for your passing, just gone so soon... It is a pleasure of working with you.
Sheila & Roger Marchant
September 7, 2011
Vinnie,
What a legacy you've left!! It is a pleasure to have known you. You know we will always look after our dear Stella and now Joel. Our Love to Anna and Frank, and please keep a watchful eye on us down here.
Renee Schwarz
September 6, 2011
Vinnie-
It seems so weird to work and know you won't be coming through the door asking "What the hell do you want?" :) miss you!
Your staff misses you and we share wonderful stories- stories of how you profoundly affected their lives.
Your service was beautiful. I enjoyed hearing wonderful "memories" of time spent with you by friends and family. It was an honor to know you.
Stella & Joel- big hug- stay strong.
I will treasure my Christmas CD now even more!
Danielle Ruggieri
September 5, 2011
Uncle Vinnie you were like a father to me...I can't believe you are gone..I don't know what we are going to do without you. I love you very much and will miss you always. Please tell my Dad I love him and Grandma. Love, Your Niece Danielle
Stella Marchant
September 5, 2011
Vinnie, you will always be loved and missed. Joel and I will be lost without you. Rest in Peace with Mom and Frank. Our love to you always and forever. Stella and Joel
Derek Fortin
September 5, 2011
Vinnie was truly a friend to all, and a brother to every other Scout.
At home, at work and at play, Scouting’s lessons last a lifetime.
jon mackenzie
September 4, 2011
I will miss you always. Jon and eva
jon mackenzie
September 4, 2011
I will miss you very much
Susie Oblinger
September 4, 2011
Vinnie, you were one of the most generous people I have had the pleasure of knowing. Thank you for being a caring and accomplished scoutmaster to so many young men, including my personal favorite Eagle Scout, Sean Taylor. You made this world better.
Susan Myers
September 3, 2011
Vinnie, I am grateful I got to know you, even if only for a few years. To your family and many friends, I express my deep condolences. We hold you in our memories, confident that your strong and generous spirit lives eternally.
jon mackenzie
September 3, 2011
vin your were a great freind and a great brother i will miss you very very much iove jon and eva
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