Nancy E. Ruggiero

Nancy E. Ruggiero obituary, Summit, NJ

Nancy E. Ruggiero

Nancy Ruggiero Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Paul Ippolito Summit Memorial on Aug. 16, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Nancy E. Ruggiero (née O'Donnell) of Summit, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the age of 97.

Born on August 30, 1927, in Newark, NJ, Nancy was the beloved daughter of Grace D. (née Gallagher) and John O'Donnell. She grew up in Newark and later made her home in Summit, where she shared many happy years with her loving husband, Guy "Chick" Ruggiero. Nancy was a proud graduate of Blessed Sacrament High School.

Professionally, Nancy worked as a supervisor in the DRA Department at Ciba-Geigy in Summit and later as a department manager at Hahne's Department Store in Livingston.

Nancy had a zest for life and a gift for making people laugh. Known for her quick wit and playful spirit, she always turned ordinary moments into cherished memories, much like her husband, Chick. She was an avid bowler in local leagues, played Bingo and Monday night poker with friends, and loved her trips to the Atlantic City casinos. Summers at Ortley Beach and Lavallette were a treasured family tradition. Nancy also had an infamous sweet tooth and an affinity for anything chocolate-especially chocolate ice cream. She loved sharing her chair, and (arguably) one too many peanut butter cookies, with all of her great-grand dogs

Family was Nancy's greatest joy. She is survived by her loving daughter, Diane Ruggiero; her cherished grandchildren, Nikki Magers (and her partner, Garrison Lentz) and Tommy Magers (and his wife, KJ). She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Guy "Chick" Ruggiero; her son, Guy Michael Ruggiero; and her siblings.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Monday, August 18th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Paul Ippolito Summit Memorial, 7 Summit Ave, Summit, NJ. The funeral will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 19th, with gathering beginning at 9:30 AM and the service to follow at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place at St. Teresa's Cemetery, Passaic Ave, Summit, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Nancy's memory to the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad, t he Summit Fire Department FMBA #54, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Paul Ippolito Summit Memorial

7 Summit Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901

Make a Donation
in Nancy Ruggiero's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support Nancy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Nancy Ruggiero's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Nancy Ruggiero's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?