Anthony M. Ruggiero

METHUEN — Mr. Anthony M. Ruggiero, 62, beloved husband of Jane (Blake) Ruggiero, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 in the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, N.H.

Born and raised in Lawrence, he was the son of the late Armando Ruggiero and survived by his mother Lucy (Archetti) Ruggiero. He graduated from Lawrence High School and earned his bachelor's degree from Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire, graduating magna cum laude.

An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army. Mr. Ruggiero had been employed for many years as a customer service manager for Compucom in Tewksbury. He also spent a lot of his time "fixing things" at his son's restaurant, Romano's Pizzeria in Salem, N.H. A resident of Methuen for the past 30 years, he was a member of the Lawrence Elks Post 65. Tony loved to spend time with family and friends relaxing on Newfound Lake in Bristol, N.H.

He enjoyed playing online poker and also had fun dancing anytime he got the chance. Most of all, Tony cherished any time he got to spend with his grandchildren, playing ball or just sitting at the kitchen table teasing them. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife with whom he shared 38 years of marriage, he is survived by a daughter, Dawn Wrobel and her husband, John of Pelham, N.H.; a son, Blake A. Ruggiero of Salem, N.H.; three grandchildren, J.J., Jake and Brooke; his mother, Lucy Ruggiero of Salisbury; a sister, Marguerite Zagranis of Amesbury; a brother, Paul Ruggiero of Hillsborough; several nieces and nephews; and his loyal dogs, Daisy, Abby and Zoey.

ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends may call on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. in the Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. His funeral Mass will be held on Monday, Oct. 19, at 9 a.m., in St. Monica's Church, 214 Lawrence St., Methuen. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery, North Lowell St., Methuen. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Anthony's memory to the M.S.P.C.A., 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. For directions and condolences, please visit our Web site and online guestbook at www.cataudellaFH.com.