Senator Dominick J. Ruggerio

In the early morning hours of April 21, 2025, Dominick “Donny” Ruggerio, 76, of North Providence, passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Mario “Charlie” and the late Dorothy (Prush) Ruggerio. He grew up in the Fruit Hill neighborhood of North Providence, where he attended James L. Maguire School and later graduated from La Salle Academy. Donny’s academic journey took him through several colleges before completing his six-year baccalaureate program and earning his degree from Providence College. While in college, he became a proud and lifelong member of Laborers’ Local Union 271, contributing to major projects across the state, including the Rhode Island Hospital Trust Building, the Midland Mall and roadwork along the I-295 corridor.

Donny began his professional career working for Lieutenant Governor Thomas DiLuglio and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority before taking over his family’s restaurant, The Chalet, in North Providence. After a brief experience as a restaurateur, Donny returned to his labor roots, joining the Laborers’ International Union of North America as a Field Representative and Organizer, eventually becoming Administrator of the New England Laborers’ Labor-Management Cooperation Trust.

In 1979, he married Cynthia Quattrocchi of Providence, with whom he had two children, Charles and Amanda.

Donny continued his career in public service in 1980 when he succeeded his dear friend Albert Lepore as Representative of House District 5 in Providence. Four years later, he succeeded his father-in-law, Majority Leader Rocco Quattrocchi, to Rhode Island Senate District 4, beginning his forty-year tenure in the Rhode Island State Senate. As the longest-serving member of the Senate, Donny was affectionately known as the “Dean” of the Senate. He served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Labor Committee, Senate Majority Whip, Deputy Majority Leader and Majority Leader. In 2017, he was honored by his colleagues with his election to the office of Senate President.

Throughout his career in the Senate, Donny maintained an open-door policy and always offered a welcoming ear to his colleagues. He was a tireless advocate for the working families he served, championing legislation to raise the State's minimum wage and safeguard employee pensions. A devoted supporter of animal rights, he also received commendations from the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Rhode Island Humane Society.

In his private life, Donny was a devoted grandfather to his four grandchildren. He enjoyed gathering with family for home-cooked meals on Sundays and holidays, annual trips to the Saratoga Race Course and beating odds makers of all types. He is survived by his children, Charles Ruggerio and his wife Jillian, and Amanda Fallon and her husband William (PJ); his grandchildren, Ava Ruggerio, Mia Ruggerio, Natalie Fallon, and Jameson Fallon; his sister Lisa Aceto and brother-in-law James Aceto; and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved brother, Charles “Chucky” Ruggerio.

Donny will be forever missed by family and friends. Visitation hours will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 3:00-8:00 p.m. and on Monday, April 28th, 2025, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith Street, North Providence. A funeral mass will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Edward Food & Wellness Center or the RI Society for Prevention for Cruelty to Animals.