RUGGIERO, ANTHONY " TONY" Anthony "Tony" Ruggiero, 52, of Durham, formerly a West Haven resident for most of his life, died suddenly, Friday, August 24, 2012 at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. Anthony was the cherished husband of Pamela Evarts Ruggiero; devoted father of Erik Anthony Ruggiero; loving son of Catherine "Kitty" Acampora, and the beloved brother of Lillian Beebe, both of Arkansas. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 478, and had been a crane operator for over 25 years, working for different concerns, most recently Walsh Construction. He loved the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Yankees, the Maine woods, camping, playing softball, and "being there" for his family and countless others who were lucky enough to call him their true friend. Known as "Hayride" to many, he had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed family gatherings, vacationing in Ocean City, MD, and spending time with his many devoted friends. In addition to his wife Pamela, son Erik, mother Catherine, and sister Lillian, Anthony is survived by his father-in-law, E. Frank Evarts, of West Haven, brother-in-law, Kenneth (Joan) Evarts, of Orange; two sisters-in-law, Donna Evarts Jetmar, of North Haven, and Eileen Evarts (Nick) Vitale, of Guilford; many nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends. He was predeceased by his beloved stepfather, Louis Acampora. The funeral will be from the Keenan Funeral Home, 238 Elm Street, West Haven, Thursday morning at 10:15. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Lawrence Church at 11:00. Burial in All Saints Cemetery will be private. Friends may call at the funeral home, Wednesday evening from 4:00 to 8:00. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anthony's memory may be directed to a scholarship established for his son Erik. Please make your gift payable to Erik Anthony Ruggiero, P.O. Box 16831, West Haven, CT 06516. Those wishing to offer condolences online may do so at www.keenanfuneralhome.com
Published in The New Haven Register on August 29, 2012
