Nicholas Ruggieri

RUGGIERI, NICHOLAS G., 84, of Cranston, passed away Wednesday, December 15, 2010. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Francesco P. and Onorato (Mancini) Ruggieri. He was raised by his father, his mother having died when he was young. He attended local schools and came of age during the depression. He joined the U.S. Navy at 18, served in the Pacific during WW-II, and was honorably discharged in 1945. He worked in the shipyard before becoming an independent plumbing contractor. He met his wife Josephine Concetta Gemma while playing tennis in Roger Williams Park; they married on January 16th 1954. They lived in Cranston and raised a family of 7 children. He enjoyed gardening, tennis and winemaking, but he lived through his children and grandchildren. His last words were "tell everyone I love them". He leaves his wife Josephine; children, Nicholas G. Ruggieri of Cranston, Dr. Robert P. Ruggieri and his wife Dr. Joan Kagawa of Hawaii, Donald L. Ruggieri and his wife Joann of Cranston, Dr. Richard J. Ruggieri and his wife Susan of North Kingstown, Frank P. Ruggieri of Cranston, Joseph A. Ruggieri and his wife Sherri of Richmond and Celeste A. Jones and her husband Erik of Cranston; 14 grandchildren; and his siblings, Josephine Pursche of Johnston and Mary Casale, Peter Ruggieri, Anna Casale and Gilda Narcisi, all of Cranston. Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church, 1525 Cranston St., Cranston at 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will be at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS SATURDAY MORNING 8-10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Cranston ARC, 111 Comstock Parkway, Cranston, RI 02921. Visit www.nardolillo.com for information and online condolences.