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Joseph Ruccio Obituary

Ruccio, Joseph E. Jr. SARATOGA SPRINGS Joseph E. Ruccio Jr., 76, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2012 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass. Born on September 7, 1935 in Waterbury, Conn., he was the son of the late Joseph and Angeline Barbiero Ruccio of Naugatuck, Conn., where Joe was raised as a child. He graduated from Colgate University with a bachelor of arts degree in history in 1957. Joe served two years in the US Army and then began his teaching career in Granville, N.Y. Teaching was Joe's passion, history and economics were his subjects. In 1964, to further his abilities as a teacher, he enrolled in the political science master's program at the University of Vermont, which is where he met is wife, Barbara, on a blind date. They were married on August 14, 1965 and moved to Saratoga Springs. For over 30 years, Joe taught in the classroom and coached in Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs. After retiring as a teacher, he embarked on a second career as a stock broker and financial advisor. Joe was involved in the Saratoga Springs community and was especially proud of his role in starting the youth hockey program during the early years of the Saratoga Youth Commission. He was a communicant of St. Clement's Church. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; his daughters, Karen Ruccio, Christina Ruccio and son-in-law Leo Boudreau; his son, Jed and daughter-in-law Courtney Ruccio; his three grandchildren, Nole and Oliver Ruccio and Annalise Boudreau. Joe is also survived by his special friend, Luke, a dog of uncommon loyalty. There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 26, 2012 at St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, by the Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215-5450, (www.dana-farber.org). Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

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Published by Albany Times Union on May 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Ruccio

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Mark Lyon

May 17, 2024

Rest in peace, Joe.

Rick Ruccio

July 24, 2012

Just found out about Joe's passing. I know we have not kept in touch, something the older Ruccio brothers always did and I regret that. My memory of cousin Joe will always be his MG cars! You are all in my prayers.

Alfred Roberts

July 5, 2012

I just learned of Joe's passing. My deepest condolences to Joe,s wife and family. Joe was my teacher and coach at Granville High School. Joe stopped in Granville a couple of years ago, and we talked about old times. It was great. We had some great memories. Joe was the kind of man that once he knew you, you were friends fo life. Again my sincere condolences.

Karen Elem

June 1, 2012

To the Ruccio Family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of Joe. I had the honor of teaching with him at the High School for many years and admired his dedication to educating our youth.

May 27, 2012

My condolences to Barbara and Joe's children and grandchildren. When I last spoke to him Joe was his usual upbeat self and was looking forward to returning to Colgate for our 55th Reunion. When I'm with our other SN brothers this coming weekend we'll toast Joe in recognition of what a great spirit he possessed.

Jim Aston, Orchard Park, NY

Seana

May 27, 2012

Mr. Ruccio made history come alive to me, flavoring it with such wonderful context and nuance. I am grateful to have had him as a teacher. And so sorry to hear of his passing. He and his family are in my prayers.

Sarah Taub

May 26, 2012

I was saddened to hear of Joe Ruccio's passing. I have such wonderful memories of his history class - his sense of humor, his encouragement, his common sense. My condolences to the family. Please know that he touched many, many lives.

Susan Long Moyer

May 26, 2012

Joe Ruccio was so special to so many- none more so than to his family. My husband,Jack Moyer, had him as his soccer coach (even though they lost almost all their games- he made soccer fun)and I was one of the scorekeepers. We had a lot of laughs for those 2 years. I also had him as my favorite teacher in history and economics. He would pick on me kindly because I never understood economics! Jack and I ran into him at the track last August and spent 20 min catching up- hearing all about Karen, Christina, Jed and the grandchildren. We had a wonderful quick visit with lots of laughs that I now cherish. Having just lost my Dad in Feburary, my Mom and I know what a horribly difficult time this is for all of you. You are in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Susan Long Moyer

Philip G

May 26, 2012

I was fortunate to be in one of Mr. Ruccio's last AP history classes-- he was an uncommonly excellent educator and person, and one of the best teachers I have had. Much love to the Ruccio family-- Saratoga as a whole has lost a good man.

May 26, 2012

Joe was a great teacher and one of our ddaughter, Sarah's favorites. And what fun and pleasure it was to meet joe on the street, shopping or whatever and exchage a few words. Our condolences to you all. . Sonia and Lew Taub.

Neil Mansbridge

May 25, 2012

I feel very lucky to have known Joe. I am very sorry to hear of his untimely passing. His friends and family are in my thoughts during this trying time.

John Goldman

May 25, 2012

My condolences to the Ruccio family. Working with Joe the last decade or so was a pleasure and he will be truly missed. I always looked forward to our political and current events discussions.

Felicia Ruccio

May 25, 2012

I am saddened to hear of cousin Joe's passing. I did not see him often, but when I did, he always had a smile for me and always made me laugh. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.

Tony Bonacio

May 25, 2012

Ruccio's, so sorry for your loss, will always remember the many times we spent with your family during the holidays - he was a great guy and I will always remember him.

Jim Lant

May 25, 2012

To the Ruccio Family, I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I met him when he started buying cars from my families business. He was always so upbeat and fun to be around. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer (LaFleur) Christianson

May 24, 2012

I am sorry for your loss. I had Mr. Ruccio for AP History. He was a fantastic teacher who influenced many of us.

May 24, 2012

I was a student in Mr. Ruccio's AP History class and graduated in 1995. I had his class first period and looked forward to it every day. I still remember his intelligence and wit. He made history come alive for us all. Mr. Ruccio touched many lives and will be missed. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Kiersten Hall

May 24, 2012

To Mr. Ruccio's wife and family, i didn't know him personally, but knew that he was a great teacher. He will be missed by all those he has inspired ... Donna Monroe

Matt Kelley

May 24, 2012

Jed (and family) - So sorry to hear this news. Your father's passion for teaching had a significant impact on my career direction. There are even times when I can hear his teaching style in the way I coach our local HS lacrosse team.

Chris & Christine Conway

May 24, 2012

Our deepest sympathies to Jed and the entire Ruccio Family.

Debbie Collins (Frail)

May 24, 2012

Mr. Ruccio was my favorite H.S.teacher. He taught me AP History and it was my favorite subject because of him!! I graduated in 1988, but I still think fondly of him and I'm sad to hear of his passing. He was passionate about teaching the subject and his excitement was contagious. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Mary Fuerst

May 24, 2012

Barb & Family,
I am sorry for your loss; Joe was truly one of a kind. I loved the days he came into the office. He would cause trouble and then take off, leaving everyone laughing for the rest of the day. He will be greatly missed, but I will always remember his laugh, smile and thoughtfulness.

May 24, 2012

Sheila and I are so saddened by Joe's passing. He was a wonderful collegue and friend-a true professional. His wit, charm and advise will always be treasured by myself and the department. Our love and deepest symapthy to Barbara and Joe' family. He will be in our hearts forever.
Herb and Sheila McCrossen

May 24, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of Joe passing. I had a great time working with and enjoying his wit and wisdom. Joe was a true professional educator who shared his knowledge of history and economics with a passion that set a high bar for others to meet. We all benefited from our time with him. Our prayers go out to Barbara and children. John and Donna MacFadden, Saratoga

Carrie Rashford

May 24, 2012

I didn't know him very long, but Joe lifted my spirits every time I saw him. He was such a genuine, warm, sweet person and always had a hilarious story to share. My thoughts are with his family who he spoke of fondly and often.

May 24, 2012

Barb and family, my prayers are with you. Joe was a great guy and the best landlord ever.

Jan Rowell Chesterton, Saratoga Springs, NY

Mark & Marybeth Lyon

May 24, 2012

Our deepest sympathies to the Ruccio family.

Paula DiGiovine

May 23, 2012

To the Ruccio Family: I took care of Joe at night when he was a patient on 5B at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He was a wonderful man full of humor, courage, and love for his family. He will be missed by so many people, even those of us health care providers who knew him so briefly. God bless you all.

Laura Bonacio

May 23, 2012

Mrs Ruccio, Karen, Christina, Jed and Luke,
I am so sorry for your loss...Mr Ruccio was the best teacher and such a great friend to my father....he would stop by the house and make everyone laugh...he will be greatly missed....Laura Bonacio

Mark Ruccio

May 23, 2012

To Barb, Christina, Karen & Jed:
We were devastated to hear of Joe's passing. Our hearts are saddened, and we will certainly miss him. He was so full of life and fun-loving. Such a kind-hearted, loving man. We will never forget our trips to New York and most recently our lunch together in Massachusetts! Love and sympathy to everyone.

Mark, Pam, Erin & Ashley Ruccio

Lisa Evans

May 23, 2012

To the Ruccio family-I am very sorry for your loss. I will miss Joe stopping by my office to tell me stories about life or to crack a joke or two. He was truly one of a kind. My deepest sympathies.

Matthew Ryan

May 23, 2012

My sincerest condolences.

Shannon Coffey

May 23, 2012

My heart goes out to the Ruccio family. I am so saddened to hear of Joe's passing. He and Luke brightened my day whenever they stopped by work. I will miss them both greatly, and my mornings at work will not be the same. My deepest sympathies to you all.

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