Phyliss Ruggerio

ILION – Phyliss Ruggerio, age 76, passed away on Saturday, September 21, at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. She was born on July 23, 1948, in Herkimer, a daughter of the late John and Pauline (Hart) Filipczuk. A lifelong area resident she went to Herkimer High School. For many years she worked in local restaurants as a server. Her last employment was with Folts Homes in the Dietary Department.
Phyllis loved life and lived it to the fullest. Conversations with her may have seemed frank and to the point but you always felt a sense of warmth and friendship and knew whatever activity she was involved in would be completed. She was active in the community as a member of the Ilion ELKS Lodge #1444 for over 26 years, the Ladies Auxiliary in the Herkimer VFW and Frankfort. As well as the American Legion Post #229 of Utica. She was a friend to many and will be sadly missed.
Surviving are her long time companion of 36 years Mike Spellman of Ilion, three sons, Louie Ruggerio Jr of Florida, Robert (Erin) Ruggerio of Little Falls, Edward Ruggerio and Stacey of KY, five daughters Paula Ruggerio and Tim Smith of Frankfort, Kim (Larry) Ciaccia of Frankfort, Pam (John) Cancelino of Herkimer, Debbie Ruggerio-Donahue of Ilion, Sheila (Scot) Burke of Newport, three brothers John of Herkimer, Dennis of Frankfort and Gary Filipczuk of Okinawa, along with 21 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a son James, and a sister Lorraine Slater, her twin brother Philip and an infant brother Donald.
Calling hours will be on Sunday September 29th from 1:00-3:00pm at Fenner Funeral Home Inc, 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The funeral service will take place on Monday September 30th at 11:00am in the funeral home. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Ukrainian Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Herkimer VFW Post #4915, 131 Mohawk Street, Herkimer 13350 or Frankfort VFW Post 502, 4272 Acme Road, Frankfort, 13340.
Members of the Ilion Elks Lodge # 1444 are asked to meet at the funeral home on Sunday at 2:30 PM, and the Herkimer VFW Post 4915 at 2:45PM